Ilkay Gundogan offers hint on Manchester City future with 12 months left on his contract

Ilkay Gundogan has remained coy on his long-term future at Manchester City as he enters the final nine months on his current deal at the Etihad Stadium.

The German, who joined City from Borussia Dortmund in 2016, was named club captain following Fernandinho's departure in the summer.

Gundogan was Pep Guardiola's first signing at City and has been a key asset for the Catalan during his tenure in Manchester.

Ilkay Gundogan (Image: Alamy)

Winning four Premier League titles amongst a host of domestic silverware at City, the 31-year-old has enjoyed his fair share of collective accolades in England.

However, there remains uncertainty over what the long-term future holds for Ilkay Gundogan at the Etihad Stadium as the former Borussia Dortmund star remains in his final year of contract at City.

Speaking ahead of City's Champions League group-stage clash with his former side on Wednesday evening, the midfielder was quizzed about his plans when his current contract expires in 2023.

Ilkay Gundogan

Gundogan said: "I am very happy at Manchester City. I was all the time I’m at the club. It’s football, it’s business, we will see what happens at the end of the season."

It remains to be seen if City offer Gundogan an extended contract or if the Premier League champions allow the club captain to move on and bring in a new midfielder if he departs the club next summer.

Despite competing directly with the likes of Kevin De Bruyne, Bernardo Silva and David Silva during his time at City, Gundogan's versatility and effectiveness has helped him remain a vital fixture in Guardiola's squad.

The Germany international, who scored for Dortmund in their Champions League final defeat to Bayern Munich in 2013, scored twice in the space of six minutes against Aston Villa to help Manchester City retain the Premier League title in extraordinary fashion on the last day of the previous campaign.

Ilkay Gundogan in action for Manchester City (News Images / Alamy)

In the absence of an out-and-out striker in the squad during the 2020/21 season, Gundogan deputised as false nine and was scoring goals for fun as he finished the club's top goalscorer for the campaign.

The silky midfielder has made a strong start to the season, having developed a special link with in-form Erling Haaland following his summer arrival from Borussia Dortmund.

Gundogan opened his account for the season in Manchester City's 4-0 triumph over Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium.

He further opened the scoring in City's enthralling 3-3 draw against Newcastle at St. James' Park, showing time and again his late runs in the box remain an effective route to goal despite the signing of Haaland.