There are people who look up to me, but the young Muslim kids, especially in Germany, they also need those closest to them to show them a good path, give them targets in their life. I grew up with a lot of these kids and they didn't have the support I had from my family or friends. Not just in terms of football, but everything else.

Ilkay Gundogan

If we lose and someone is better than us then we accept it. Handshake after the game and well done and focus on the next game. But if we lose and don't play the style of football we want to play then we know it's our fault and we can do it better.

Ilkay Gundogan

It's become the norm that a player who has another year on his contract period has a decision between separation or extension.

Ilkay Gundogan

Even though we are at the top level, we all make mistakes. We play the game, and mistakes are part of the game.

Ilkay Gundogan

Jurgen Klopp is more the emotional one and someone who can motivate really well. Pep Guardiola is more tactical, who always takes care of details and wants to show you how to do everything. Both are world-class managers and both have their own qualities. Both are amazing personalities.

Ilkay Gundogan

If I have the space, I recognise the space, I like to take the ball and go straight to the goal, if there's a chance to create something then I'll do it.

Ilkay Gundogan

It's bad if you disguise yourself, I honestly cannot see it anymore when you're after the game, always asked the same questions and give pre-programmed answers. I do not know if there is a solution for that. I don't know if you can, want or should change it. But sometimes I just wish for a little more.

Ilkay Gundogan

The Champions League is, in terms of club football, the most prestigious one. And if you don't win it you will never be named one of the greatest teams, no chance.

Ilkay Gundogan

I came to Dortmund from a relatively small team and I struggled during my first six months to find my place there. I was a bit shy and, to be honest, I wasn't brave enough do certain things. But thanks to the help of my team-mates, and with the help of Jurgen and his staff, too, I managed to improve.

Ilkay Gundogan

The elite footballers of one country meet at the national team and it's an honour for me to be among them.

Ilkay Gundogan

I dream of winning the Champions League title with Manchester City and a title with Germany.

Ilkay Gundogan

Rehab is always up and down for the mind and for the body.

Ilkay Gundogan

I prefer to get my own picture of people and Pep was the main reason that I moved to City. I am very happy with how things have gone, both personally and in a sporting sense.

Ilkay Gundogan

I liked to watch Kaka very, very much. The way he played with tremendous pace with the ball at his feet, he just left opponents behind. Watching him was a feast for the eyes.

Ilkay Gundogan

When I am 32, 33 and I realise that I can't keep my level or it is dropping, it will be a stop abroad where you might not play at the highest level and not keep up with Premier League.

Ilkay Gundogan

Everyone told me the Premier League is the hardest. So I just wanted to try because I had nothing to lose.

Ilkay Gundogan

Coach education in Germany is actually very good, but I do not understand why many coaches do not have the guts to push through an idea when they have lost two or three times.

Ilkay Gundogan

That's why I don't want to know the questions before, when I give interviews whether TV or print. I don't want to prepare myself for what I will answer.

Ilkay Gundogan

Pep Guardiola tactically brings a gift that is second to none in the world.

Ilkay Gundogan

I am convinced that you should always play the way you want to play and success will then come on its own - as long as it's a good philosophy.

Ilkay Gundogan

Iniesta makes the game look easy, but it's not. On the contrary, it's very difficult. I don't think people appreciate it enough when they watch him on TV. He played brutal passes and was always flawless - it felt like he was floating. For simplicity, there is no better player than Iniesta.

Ilkay Gundogan