Florian Wirtz’s record-breaking move to Liverpool has sparked intense scrutiny after a slow start in England. The 22-year-old, hailed as one of Germany’s brightest footballing talents, has yet to score or assist in 10 appearances for the Reds, drawing unfair “flop” labels. But Ilkay Gundogan has leapt to his defence, calling such criticism “completely exaggerated” and insisting that those doubting Wirtz “don’t understand football.”

Private chef Johnny Marsh has revealed his secrets in cooking for a host of current and former Premier League stars including Ilkay Gundogan, Kevin De Bruyne, Christian Eriksen and Paul Pogba. Ahead of the release of his debut cookbook, the 28-year-old lifted the lid on a number of anecdotes from his career, including catering Pogba's birthday party that shook the walls of a Manchester hotel.

Ilkay Gundogan has lamented Galatasaray's mental fragility following their 5-1 Champions League thrashing by Eintracht Frankfurt. The ex-Manchester City star claimed his side were superior until the German team equalised, after which their "heads were hanging down". Gundogan admitted they "invited" Frankfurt to score and must improve as a group as they look to bounce back from the humiliation.

Manchester City have confirmed the departure of club legend Ilkay Gundogan, who has joined Galatasaray on a free transfer just one year after returning to the Etihad from Barcelona.