‘I’m still connected to Manchester’ – Ilkay Gundogan keeps promise to Man City fans with classy gesture

Ilkay Gundogan may have left Manchester City almost 12 months ago, but he hasn’t forgotten his charity work in the city as he invited three fans to watch him play at Barcelona recently – keeping a promise he made when he left from Manchester.

Gundogan was not only a captain and last-minute hero for City during his time at the Etihad, he was regularly seen helping out local groups when he was in Manchester. He is an ambassador for Community Integrated Care after spending two birthdays helping there over the years, quietly assisting during the pandemic and last June providing Turkish food and drink to 115 people in the relief project social to help them celebrate the Champions. League final.

Other gestures have seen him volunteer at a soup kitchen and pay the Sky Sports bill for a group of football fans – as well as similar help for young fans in Germany. When he left the City, he sent an inspiring letter to Community Integrated Care, telling attendees that: “You are a true inspiration to me. Your strength, stamina and zest for life are truly amazing. The challenges you face on a daily basis. they require immense courage, and your ability to overcome them is remarkable.

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“I understand that life can be full of obstacles and uncertainties, but please know that you are not alone. The bonds you form at Community Integrated Care, the laughs you share and the support you give each other are testaments to strength. and the beauty of our community and the human spirit.”

Now Gundogan has continued his support for the charity by inviting three fans to Barcelona, ​​where he now plays, to watch a La Liga match and meet him at their training ground. For some, it was a first chance to go abroad, build travel confidence and develop new life skills.

Kayley Davies from Tameside, Daniel Wilmott from Stockport and Katie Richardson from Warrington – who are supported by Community Integrated Care – received the once-in-a-lifetime experience with their families and support teams. All City fans, spent two days in Barcelona and saw Gundogan start in Barcelona’s 2-0 win over Real Sociedad.

The following day, they were invited to Barcelona’s training ground to meet Gundogan and ask him about his time at City and his move to Barcelona. Community Integrated Care said that for Kayley, the trip allowed her to reconnect with Gundogan after the midfielder arranged social distancing visits during the pandemic and interviews at City matches.

Katie, who is autistic and accesses personal development programs with the charity, said: “To me, Ilkay is a legend on and off the pitch. I was in total shock when I was told I was going to Barcelona to see him play. It was even better to have the chance to meet him on the training pitch – talking about football and all the things I do with Community Integrated Care.

“Ilkay has changed the lives of so many people who are supported by our charity. I will never forget this experience. He will forever be my football hero.”

Gundogan said he remains connected to Manchester despite leaving City, saying: “It was amazing to see the guys at Community Integrated Care again and to see Kayley, Daniel and Katie so happy and smiling a lot. I still feel very connected to the city of Manchester and I’m very happy that together we managed to bring them to my new city and show them where I play and work now. They told me that they really liked the city. I hope to see everyone again soon.

“I spent seven years in Manchester, it became my second home, to try to give something back to the community. It’s amazing to see people smiling, connected to football and their passion. It’s a pleasure even after I’ve left Manchester , I spent seven years in Manchester, it became my second home, to try to give something back to the community still feels great.”

John Hughes, director of partnerships and communities at Community Integrated Care, said: “This experience really represented the people we support to live the best lives possible. The opportunity to fly on a plane, visit a new country, watch an iconic football team and meet your hero would be an incredible experience for anyone, but for the people we support to be able overcome the barriers they face and enjoy them. the moments were magical.

“Ilkay will forever have the respect and gratitude of Community Integrated Care. It has promised the people we support at the most difficult times in their lives, at the height of the pandemic, that it will stay in touch and support them in happier times.

“He has truly lived up to that promise in unprecedented ways. The fact that he has maintained this relationship with our charity even from Barcelona shows the enduring respect he has for our teams and every supporter of the city.”