28.07.2026 13:10
Galatasaray's successful player İlkay Gündoğan made statements about his reason for not choosing the Turkish National Team, saying, "I chose the German National Team because they were much more serious. When Germany called me up to the senior national team, officials from Turkey invited me to U21 trials. I was not called directly to the team, but to trials. Germany had directly called me to the senior national team. That's why I chose the German National Team."
Galatasaray's experienced star Ilkay Gundogan, in his statements to Fanatik, spoke about his transfer process to the yellow-red club and his national team choice. The successful player made a very striking confession.
''SIGNINGS ACCELERATED WHEN SANE ARRIVED''
Stating that he received different offers from Turkey during the period when he had a 1-year contract with Manchester City, Ilkay Gundogan explained that his transfer to Galatasaray developed very quickly, saying, "While I was at the camp in America, Leroy Sane came to visit me and said he had signed for Galatasaray. His decision significantly accelerated my transfer process. One afternoon, I discussed the details with Okan Buruk via FaceTime. The next morning, I was on a plane to Galatasaray."
REASON FOR NOT CHOOSING TURKEY
Referring to his national team choice process, Ilkay explained the reason behind his decision with the words, "I was born and raised in Germany. I chose the German National Team because they were much more serious. When Germany called me to the senior national team squad, officials from Turkey called me for the U21 trials. I was not called directly to the team, but to the trials. Germany had directly called me to the senior national team. That's why I chose the German National Team. I love both countries very much. I was born and raised in Germany. But I love my Turkishness and my origins very much."
SEASON PERFORMANCE
Last season, Ilkay Gundogan played 38 matches in all competitions for the yellow-red team, recording a performance of 2 goals and 5 assists in these matches.