Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola says club captain Ilkay Gundogan is “one of the best players” he has trained in his managerial career.

The German international could leave the reigning Premier League champions when his contract expires at the end of the season but, in a recent interview, Guardiola was keen to praise the midfielder’s abilities:

“He’s so intelligent Gundo, so clever and competitive. Under pressure, he handles it without a problem. He’s one of the best players I ever trained in my career in terms of the whole package. He’s top, top class.”

Gundogan has not said much about his future, only that he has not made a final decision on where he will be playing his football next campaign.

There have been suggestions that City are only willing to hand the 32-year-old a twelve-month extension, while the player is demanding a two-year deal.

A move to Barcelona has been widely reported, although there have also been some links with Arsenal. Wherever Gundogan ends up after this season, though, he will always have a special place in the hearts of City supporters after so many memorable performances.