Injured Manchester City signing Ilkay Gundogan still some way off a full recovery as he hunts for a new luxury pad in the city centre
German midfielder dislocated his knee last month and expects to miss start of Premier League season for Pep Guardiola's side
HE won’t be fit for the start of the season, but new Manchester City signing Ilkay Gundogan is already getting stuck in as he hunts for a house.
The £21million signing from Borussia Dortmund dislocated his knee in training last month, missing Germany’s Euro 2016 campaign as a result.
And after arriving in Manchester on crutches, Gundogan is still some way off a full recovery after being spotted house-hunting with his parents.
Sporting a brace on his right knee, the 25-year-old eagerly peered through the windows of Leaders estate agents, which specialises in city centre apartments.
Mum and dad accompanied Gundogan as he took in the options on offer, and the midfielder will be hoping his new luxury pad helps with his rehabilitation.
As reported exclusively by SunSport, Gundogan was given a guided tour of City’s football academy a fortnight ago despite having to hobble around the complex.
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The player has also revealed he hopes to bounce back from injury by late August, explaining: “I hope to be fit by the end of August or first week of September.
“You can’t be absolutely sure and we gauge it week-by-week but that’s my target and if everything goes to plan it will be August.
“I may miss a couple of matches but that’s fine because I want to be ready for when I play my first game.”
But Gundogan is relishing working with Pep Guardiola, admitting he looks up to one of his new boss’ favourite players – Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi.
Gundogan added: “When I was young I loved the football of Barca, especially Xavi and Iniesta in midfield. Xavi is in Qatar now and close to retiring but I love the way he played. Some say I’m similar to him.
“I hope in the next years I will be as successful as him and win a lot of titles with Manchester City.”