Ilkay Gundogan has lauded Manchester City fans ahead of the UEFA Champions League (UCL) Final against Inter Milan on June 10 in Istanbul.
The star midfielder also highlighted the support City received from their fans in the FA Cup Final against Manchester United on June 3, where he scored a goal after just 13 seconds.
“Our fans are going to be so important for us again this weekend, as they always are,” said the German international.
“You only have to look at Saturday’s match at Wembley to show you how vital they are to our performance.
“Our fans were amazing from start to finish. Hearing them sing ‘Blue Moon’ in the tunnel, the deafening atmosphere as we walked out onto the pitch to a sea of blue, the Poznan as we waited for the match to start on the pitch, it was incredible and, in my opinion, helped us score after 13 seconds.
“To score that early was an unbelievable feeling and it felt like a reward for how amazing our fans were. Now we need them again in Istanbul.
“From the moment we wait in the tunnel, as we line-up on the pitch and during the whole game, we need that positive noise again. We know our fans will be there for us and we will give everything to make them proud.”
Earlier, City manager Pep Guardiola was optimistic about his side’s chances in the final of the UCL.
"I'm so optimistic [for the UCL Final], but I cannot deny the quality of the opponents," Guardiola said on Tuesday.
The former Barcelona manager remembered City’s last UCL final against Chelsea in 2021 which they lost 1-0.
“In that time we played the final, we had an incredible season in the league. It’s not a massive difference (to this season). I have the opinion that if you get to the final and you’re lucky, you can win it. The important thing is to be there,” the 52-year-old said.