shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Sports News > Football News > Article > Gundogan excited over return to Schalke who rejected him as a kid

Gundogan excited over return to Schalke who rejected him as a kid

Updated on: 20 February,2019 11:00 AM IST  |  Gelsenkirchen
AFP |

"There is a danger as everyone thinks Schalke don't have a chance, and though it's an away game, we're expected to dominate. Schalke have nothing to lose u00c3u00a2u00c2u0080u00c2u0094 we have a lot. That raises the pressure on us."

Gundogan excited over return to Schalke who rejected him as a kid

Ilkay Gundogan

Having been rejected at the age of eight by Schalke, Ilkay Gundogan, is relishing returning here with Manchester City in what could potentially be a one-sided Champions League clash tonight. While Pep Guardiola's high-flying City are top the Premier League table, their opponents in the last 16, first-leg clash, Schalke, are just above Bundesliga's relegation places and struggling to score goals down in 14th place.


Like City's Germany winger Leroy Sane, Gundogan, 28, began his career at Schalke's academy, but despite having been rejected as a child after only one season, there will be no element of revenge come kick-off at the Veltins Arena. "I have [forgiven them], but it wasn't always so," Gundogan told German magazine Kicker with a grin.
"At the time, due to growth spurts, I had physical problems and couldn't play any sports for six months, so I dropped out. Three or four years later, Schalke tried to contact me, but I was a bit resentful."


Gundogan ended up playing for local club Hessler, joining Bochum as a junior before playing Bundesliga football for Nuremberg. He then spent five years at Borussia Dortmund from where he joined City in 2016. On paper, City could run riot in Germany, but Gundogan insists the Mancunians will take nothing for granted. "There is a danger as everyone thinks Schalke don't have a chance, and though it's an away game, we're expected to dominate. Schalke have nothing to lose — we have a lot. That raises the pressure on us."


Catch up on all the latest sports news and updates here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK