"I appreciate Klopp but..." - Premier League star rules out joining Liverpool

Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has ruled out a potential reunion with Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp.

The news comes after the City man was asked about his future in an interview.

Klopp's Liverpool are in desperate need for a midfielder in January but it appears as though Gundogan has politely declined.

Despite the rejection, Gundogan has said how much he respects Klopp.

Gundogan: I can rule that out

The Germany international currently has a contract with City until the end of the season and it is yet to be confirmed whether a new deal will be offered.

Talking about the situation, Gundogan said: “I think I can rule out that happening," he told German magazine Kicker.

“Everyone knows how much I like and appreciate Kloppo. But I’ve been at City for a few years now.

“And now as City captain to rival Liverpool?

“No, I can not imagine [it]," he added.

(Image via: Alamy)

Pep is full of praise for Gundogan

Gundogan has had an incredibly successful career at Man City, winning four Premier League titles.

City manager Pep Guardiola had nothing but positive things to say about his midfielder last month.

Speaking to the club website: “Gundogan was the first player we signed when I became a manager [at City in 2016]. It is a pleasure to work with people like Ilkay,” Guardiola said.

“I will never forget him. For me personally and for the team, he is an incredible football player, always grounded.

“He likes to be second position and always you can rely on him 100%. He gave us the Premier League. He can play holding midfielder and attacking midfielder. He is so smart, can talk about the world.

“That is why he was voted by his mates as captain. We are incredibly happy with the decision we made to have him.

“In the first year he had an ACL injury but from the second season when we started winning the titles, he was there. It’s a joy to have these human beings with you.”