Gundogan: I'm nearly back to my best
Ilkay Gundogan has revealed that he believes he is on his way to returning to his best form. The German suffered a knee injury during the 16/17 season, and has been on a long road to recovery.
Gundogan had a flying start to his Manchester City career after joining from Borussia Dortmund in 2016. He made sixteen appearances during the 16/17 season, scoring five goals and assisting two. However, in December 2016 he suffered a serious injury to his knee, ending his season.
The German returned to the City side in September 2017, and has played 38 games for the 'Sky Blues' in all competitions this season. He has not yet recaptured the form he displayed in his debut season, managing just four goals in these 38 appearances, however the midfielder believes he is not far off returning to his best.
Speaking to the Manchester City website, Gundogan explained that he is focused on his return to form. "I have my own impact and during the last months," he began. "I was still on my way to my best. Now, I feel nearly or already there, and I am having fun and I'm happy."
He also expressed his delight at City's form this season, but said there was still work to do to be considered amongst the best in Europe. City have already brought home the EFL Cup, and are set to win the Premier League title by a large margin, but face Liverpool in the quarter finals of the Champions League. "It feels great," Gundogan said. "But this is just the beginning, I think. We are still on a road, a good way, I think, with the way we play, to come into that elite of clubs in Europe."
"I wouldn't say we are there. We need to compete with teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, Bayern Munich, Juventus - the biggest teams."