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Gundogan: Guardiola was a big reason I joined

Cape Town - Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has highlighted the appointment of Pep Guardiola as the decisive factor in his decision to join the Premier League club.

Gundogan, who missed out on Germany's Euro 2016 squad due to a serious knee injury, is relishing the prospect of continuing his career under the watchful eye of the hugely successful coach.

The 25-year-old came up against Guardiola's Bayern side on more than one occasion over the last three years and, based on what he has seen thus far, Gundogan believes the Spaniard is currently the best coach in the world.

"Guardiola was a big reason I joined," said Gundogan. "I spoke to him a few times and he gave me such a good feeling.

"He is the best coach in the world. He made a good decision coming to Manchester City.

"I know him from Germany and saw him in Barcelona. He's really impressive personalty and it's a big chance for me to work with him."

As things stand, Gundogan is still on the treatment table, but he hopes to be back in action by the time the Citizens take on Jose Mourinho's Manchester United in what promises to be a mouthwatering clash on 10 September.

Commenting on his recovery process, Gundogan told Sky Sports: "Our target is end of August or September.

"September 10 is the derby, so I could be ready for it, but it's difficult to say.

"If it's one week earlier it's good, but one week later is also good. The important thing is to be safe and then everything else will come on its own.

"Everything is going well and I am looking forward to being back on the field. I'm doing my rehab, increasing the pressure on my leg, and I'm in good shape and looking forward to it.

"Watching games is not so easy but injuries belong to football, it's normal, so I am trying to take it easy and do my own work, and then help the team as soon as possible.

"Even when I got my injury, Pep said it changed nothing for him and he still wanted me to join, so for me that was a big sign that I was doing the right thing."

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