Redaction Simon Brett with Harry Winters
Published on 2024-07-06 10:00:00
Former Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan has opened up about the close bond between current midfielder Rodri and manager Pep Guardiola. The midfield pair recently faced each other in the European Championships quarter-finals, with Rodri’s Spain coming out on top against Gundogan’s Germany in a thrilling match that ended in extra time. Despite the intense competition on the field, Gundogan highlighted the strong relationship that exists between Rodri and Guardiola, emphasizing the midfielder’s growth and learning under the City manager’s guidance.
Following Spain’s victory over Germany, Rodri and his teammates are now set to face France in the semi-finals of the Euro’s. The Spanish midfielder, who previously played alongside Gundogan at Manchester City, has made history by becoming the first City player to reach this stage of the tournament. Gundogan also reminisced about their time playing together for the club, recalling memorable moments such as their comeback victory against Aston Villa in the Premier League. Despite leaving Manchester City for Barcelona last summer, Gundogan still maintains a strong connection with Guardiola and his former teammates.
Gundogan praised Rodri’s development and described him as the best player in his position, highlighting the dedication and hard work that the midfielder has put into improving his game. With several Manchester City players still in contention in the Euro’s, including Raheem Sterling and Phil Foden, there is a strong representation from the club in the later stages of the tournament. The relationship between Guardiola, Rodri, and other former City players demonstrates the lasting impact of their time together at the club, even as they pursue success on the international stage.
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