Ilkay Gundogan's wife has already dropped big transfer hint amid Man City return
Ilkay Gundogan has been linked with a sensational exit from Barcelona to return to Manchester City, where he and wife Sara had settled before leaving last year
Ilkay Gundogan's return to Manchester City would have the backing of his wife Sara.
It's only been a little over 12 months since Gundogan, 33, joined Barcelona on a free transfer, bringing an end to a seven-year City stint in which he won five Premier League titles, four League Cups, two FA Cups and the Champions League.
But in a shock turn of events, the German midfielder, who's announced his retirement from international football, could be making a return to the Etihad. He doesn't feature in the plans of new Barca boss Hansi Flick, according to reports in Spain.
The Manchester Evening News claim City are considering re-signing him before the transfer window closes on August 30. Gundogan's feelings on the matter aren't yet clear - but his wife has already suggested where she stands.
In an interview with the Daily Mail this year, Sara admitted she misses Manchester and found their move difficult, despite previously criticising the city for its poor quality of restaurants. When asked for recommendations of where to eat in 2022, she argued it was "horrible food everywhere".
That tune had very much changed when she told the Mail: "When I was in Manchester, my whole life was [originally] around football. My friends were football, the people I met through my husband, and then I didn't have anything that was just my world outside of that.
"And I'm a social person, so it took me a bit of time, but I made friends and it was really nice. After making friends, I was really happy. I had my own life and routine in Manchester and I have one of my best friends there.
"It's always sad, especially because you make friends, you're happy somewhere, you build your life and then you have to leave all the people you love. I started to enjoy everything and I kind of miss Manchester now."
Sara's previous comments sparked backlash from Manchester chefs, who told her to branch out from "Instagrammable spots". She'd said: "Sorry I'm sad to be honest but nothing. I tried so bad to find a good restaurant but... horrible food everywhere.
"Can't find a real Italian or good sushi or just fresh food .. everything frozen. Restaurants here are just focused on making money with drinks and shots like nightclubs, not quality food. Maybe in London but in Manchester nothing. I'm sorry."
Her husband made 51 appearances across all competitions for Barcelona last season, contributing five goals and 14 assists. But he now finds himself competing with Frenkie de Jong, Gavi, Pedri, Fermin Lopez, Dani Olmo, Marc Casado and Marc Bernal in a stacked set of midfield options for Flick.
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