Ilkay Gundogan's Aguero-moment and new chant might change Man City stance on new contract

Ilkay Gundogan's week started with media reports that Manchester City wanted him to leave. Seven days on, he's written himself into club legend, earned a new chant from supporters, and has completely flipped the mood regarding his future at the Etihad. And on top of that, he got married.

If a certain beer-maker did weeks, they'd struggle to top the few days Gundogan has just experienced.

Gundogan has been consistent with his stance regarding his City contract for months. It expires in 2023, he's happy at the club and living in Manchester, and is in no rush to force any contract talks before they are necessary. Now, though, his negotiating position has just become a whole lot stronger.

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Those reports that Gundogan would leave in the summer were believable. He's 31, still able to generate a decent transfer fee, and with two forwards arriving in the summer, the likes of Jack Grealish or Phil Foden could be pushed into midfield next year, reducing his potential playing time.

Except the talk of him getting a private plane to Madrid were less believable. He was instead flying to Copenhagen to marry his fiance, with full permission from the club ahead of a title-defining week. And given his match-winning performance against Aston Villa on Sunday, it was the perfect decision.

Gundogan may have felt aggrieved to be named on the bench against Villa, given his big-game experience and calmness in midfield. He may also have been surprised to get the nod ahead of Jack Grealish as City's final substitution when they needed a goal - soon to become two goals - to level the game.

But Pep Guardiola said he wanted Gundogan's ability as a 'second runner' - the best