Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan hints at career after football

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has dropped a hint over plans to head into coaching after what will be successful playing career.

Gundohgan triggered who triggered an option to extend his contract at the Etihad, has spoken about taking up a coaching role, dropping a major hint over his next Pep Guardiola-inspired career move.

The German star has high hopes of entering into coaching once his playing career is over, and that inspiration comes from his current boss at City.

The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona playmaker returned to City in August following a year away at Barcelona, signing a 12-month deal with an option for a second.

Ilkay Gundogan hints at going into coaching after a successful playing career (Image Credit: Getty Images)

The 34-year-old has made the second-most appearances for the club this season, and next season is likely to be his last for City and perhaps the final campaign of a successful career.

Speaking to The National, Gundogan said:

“I want to continue coaching and I want to progress in that field but it is something that isn’t possible right now because of playing.

“I have previously worked with City’s under-16s and I really enjoyed it. I have worked under some amazing coaches and they inspire you.

“I have had the privilege of working with Pep for several years, it is automatically something I think about and consider for the future.

“Being part of City for so many years I can see myself coaching in the future and of course I love football way too much to stay out of it once my playing career is over.

“I always tell myself I could become a really good coach if I have the guts to do it and the energy and stamina to go for it in the long run.

“But I know also that it is a lot of work when I see Pep and our coaching staff and the working hours they put in.

“It is much more than a player. It’s a workload you need to accept and be comfortable with.

“I took the first steps to see if it was something that would interest me and so far it has.”

Gundogan has his UEFA B Licence, but would still need to secure his A Licence and his Pro Licence to coach at the highest level.

With City’s aging squad showing its decline at many points this season, Gundogan might find himself learning from manager Pep Guardiola’s role next campaign as the club looks to invest in younger players in the next transfer window.