İlkay Gündoğan teases Nuremberg return
İlkay Gündoğan has opened the door to a possible return to Nuremberg, revealing he could see himself coming back to the club that gave him his first major opportunity in professional football.
The midfielder enjoyed a remarkable career after his breakthrough spell with Nuremberg between 2009 and 2011. He went on to win a Bundesliga-DFB Cup double with Jürgen Klopp's Borussia Dortmund in the 2011/12 season, before becoming a key figure in Manchester City's trophy-filled era under Pep Guardiola. He also represented Barcelona and captained Germany at international level.
"I still have a very close connection to Nuremberg because the club means a lot to me," Gündoğan told Sky Germany. "I'm very grateful to the club and the city. I can definitely imagine returning one day, in whatever role that may be."
Gündoğan has made more than 700 club and international appearances since making his professional debut with Nuremberg in August 2009. The 35-year-old, who is currently under contract with Turkish giants Galatasaray until the summer of 2027, said a return to Der Club could take several forms.
"Whether it's for one or two years as a player, or later as a sporting director or coach, everything is possible."
Nuremberg currently compete in Bundesliga 2, and have been coached by former Germany international and FIFA World Cup 2014 winner Miroslav Klose since 2024.
