Former Manchester City star Ilkay Gundogan questioned ‘why should I be ready’ when asked by a reporter about Galatasaray’s upcoming tie against Barcelona.
Gundogan, 35, has struggled for game time so far this season with the Turkish giants.
The veteran midfielder has played for just 11 minutes in Galatasaray’s eight matches this season, featuring briefly as a substitute on the opening day against Corum and in the Champions League against Sporting Lisbon.
Gundogan has been an unused substitute in Galatasaray’s last six league matches, including their 3-1 win over Kasimpasa on Friday.
Galatasaray head coach Okan Buruk had preferred former Arsenal star Lucas Torreira and Gabriel Sara in midfield over Gundogan in their latest league match.
When walking down the tunnel following the match, a reporter asked Gundogan about his readiness to face his former club Barcelona in the Champions League in midweek.
Ilkay Gundogan responded ‘I’m not playing, so why should I be ready’ after being asked about whether he was ready to face Barcelona after weeks on the Galatasaray bench
Former Man City captain Gundogan has played just 11 minutes this season for the Turkish giants
‘I’m not playing – so why should I be ready?’ Gundogan responded.
Gundogan has fallen out of favour at Galatasaray after playing a key role last season for the Turkish side.
The midfielder made 38 appearances in all competitions during his debut campaign and helped the club win the Turkish Super Lig title.
Gundogan is not the only former Man City player struggling for starts at Galatasaray, with Leroy Sane having been used from the bench in four of their seven league games.
Former Germany international Gundogan moved to Turkey after his second spell at Man City.
Gundogan famously captained Man City in their Treble-winning 2022-23 campaign, lifting the Champions League, Premier League and FA Cup.
In total, he won five Premier League winning titles, two FA Cups and four League Cups during his time at the club.
Gundogan also had a single season with Barcelona and made 51 appearances for the Catalan giants.
Galatasaray, who are two points clear at the top of the Turkish Super Lig, host Barcelona in their second Champions League match of the season on Tuesday.
