..::Football III::..

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Nainggolan could be tempted by Real Madrid - agent

Roma midfielder Radja Nainggolan could be tempted by an offer from Real Madrid, according to the player's agent.

The Belgium international has reportedly been the subject of interest from a host of Premier League sides, such as Manchester United and Liverpool.Roma have maintained they have no interest in selling one of their star men and though Nainggolan's representative expects him to stay, he admits Madrid could change things.

"I believe Nainggolan will stay at Roma, although when you are talking about Real Madrid, things can change," Ludovico Spinosi told IlSussidiario.net.

"[Roma president James] Pallotta knows that Nainggolan is very important for Roma and could have many offers for the player. Keep an eye out for Real Madrid."

The 27-year-old joined Roma last summer after spending four years at Cagliari and has three years remaining on his current deal.

 

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Inter confirm Kondogbia deal

Inter have confirmed the signing of Geoffrey Kondogbia from Monaco for a fee believed to be in the region of €35 million.The midfielder has agreed a five-year deal worth €4m a season plus bonuses and will now fly to Italy on Monday to undergo a medical and complete his move.

Kondogbia was initially expected to join AC Milan, but was persuaded to snub their interest after Inter boss Roberto Mancini personally called the France international on Friday.

Kondogbia spent two seasons at Monaco after joining the club from Sevilla and scored three goals in 33 games in all competitions last season.

 

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Brazil 2-1 Venezuela: Thiago Silva and Firmino seal top spot

Goals from Thiago Silva and Roberto Firmino gave Brazil a 2-1 win over Venezuela and saw them seal top spot in Copa America Group C, while saving Colombia from elimination.

Colombia had earlier been held to a scoreless draw by Peru in Group C but Jose Pekerman's side advanced as one of the two best third-placed teams.A draw at the Estadio Monumental David Arellano would have eliminated the nation, with both Brazil and Venezuela progressing.

An out-swinging corner from Robinho was met by Silva at the penalty spot and his side-foot volley flew over the head of Alain Baroja and into the net, although questions will be asked about the reaction speed of Venezuela's goalkeeper.

After a fairly pedestrian first half, the second started rapidly as Venezuela sought an equaliser but it was Brazil who doubled their lead. Firmino finished off fine lead-up work from Willian in the 51st minute to effectively clinch three points, although Miku's late strike ensured a tense finale.

Neymar sat in the stands throughout Brazil's victory, with the Barcelona forward sitting out the first match of his four-game ban, although the Brazilian Football Confederation are expected to appeal the suspension, which would see the 23-year-old miss the rest of the tournament.Brazil surged to the top of Group C with six points, setting up a quarter-final rematch with Paraguay in Concepcion on Saturday.

Paraguay stunned Brazil on penalties at the same stage on their way to the final four years ago.

After opening the scoring and putting one foot firmly in the last-eight, Brazil allowed Venezuela plenty of possession in the first 45 minutes, but Noel Sanvicente's men were unwilling to go into all-out attack mode because of the threat of counter-attacks led by Robinho.

Venezuela registered just one shot on target in the first half - a flick from Andres Tunez from Roberto Rosales' 30th-minute free-kick - and despite their more adventurous approach after the break, they were two goals behind before they could really react.

After Philippe Coutinho sliced a shot wide 15 seconds after half-time and Silva forced Baroja into a stunning low stop with a header soon after, Firmino struck to double Brazil's lead.

A flowing passing move saw the ball eventually reach Willian on the left wing, and the Chelsea midfielder's quick feet saw him get away from his marker before crossing with the outside of his right boot to set up the goal.Tunez was again at least partly to blame, as the Venezuelan centre-back lost track of Firmino, just as he did for Silva's first-half goal.

Sanvicente's side gave themselves hope when skipper Juan Arango's free-kick was palmed onto the post by Jefferson in the 84th minute and Miku stooped to head home his first international goal since 2012 but it was not enough to save Venezuela from elimination.

Miku could have pulled off an incredible comeback in stoppage time but Josef Martinez's cross flashed just over his head with the goal gaping.

 

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Neymar leaves Chile after Brazil withdraw appeal

Brazil have resigned themselves to continuing their Copa America campaign without the services of Neymar following their decision to withdraw their appeal against the striker's four-match ban.

The Selecao star learned of his punishment last Friday following his petulant behaviour in Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Colombia, during which he received a straight red card for attempting to headbutt Jeison Murillo before then verbally assaulting referee Enrique Osses.

Despite the protestations of Neymar's team-mates defending his innocence, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) have opted against trying to overturn the lengthy suspension that would have ruled the 23-year-old out for the remainder of the tournament in Chile.

"After a meeting that took place this Sunday night between Neymar and Brazil's coaching staff, it was decided that CBF will accept Conmebol's decision that suspended the player for four matches and therefore ended his Copa America campaign," a statement read.

"Both staff and the player hope that the same rigour that Conmebol used to punish Neymar will be adopted on all competitions organised by the federation. In conclusion, the Brazil NT coaching staff is sorry for the loss of another important player for this year's competition."Neymar will leave the Brazilian delegation that is concentrated at the Sheraton Hotel in Santiago this Monday."

The five-time world champions qualified for the quarter-finals to of Group C on Sunday after defeating Venezuela 2-1 in Santiago.

 

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Joe Hart chilling with... 50 Cent?!

While many footballers were paying tribute to their parents on Fathers' Day, Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart spent time with another trusted mentor... 50 Cent.

In a bizarre yet enjoyable meeting of minds, the rapper and England goalkeeper took a picture to detail how they "do it BIG" - notice the remote control in Hart's hand.

Never one to miss an opportunity to promote, 50 Cent, real name Curtis Jackson, included hashtags relating to his own-brand vodka, own-brand underwear and own-brand electronics company. Top work.

 

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Mandzukic undergoes medical ahead of Juventus move

Atletico Madrid striker Mario Mandzukic is on the verge of completing his proposed €18 million move to Juventus.

The 29-year-old arrived in Turin on Sunday evening and underwent a medical with the Bianconeri's medical team the following morning.

Juve are set to pay a basic €15m fee for Mandzukic, with a further €3m in add-ons, while the attacker will pen a three-year deal worth €3.5m after tax per annum, with the option of another season.The Croatia international has spent just one season in Spain, after moving to the Vicente Calderon from Bayern Munich last summer.

However, with Carlos Tevez informing Juve of his desire to return to Argentina, the Bianconeri have turned to Mandzukic, who cannot wait to pull on the Juve jersey.
"I like Turin a lot," he wrote on Twitter. "I've come here twice to play and I hope to be happy here.

"A message for the fans? I can only say that I will give my all."I have always given the maximum at every club I've had and I will fight for my new jersey.

"I know that Juve have a great suppor and I'm really happy about this.
"This is my new home. Don't worry, I'll give everything."

 

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'Monchengladbach could not compete with Real Madrid for Odegaard'

Borussia Monchengladbach's head scout has claimed that the club were set to sign Martin Odegaard but were ultimately blown out of the water by Real Madrid.

Odegaard's signature was arguably the most desired in European football during the January transfer window, with the Norwegian sensation linked to the likes of Bayern Munich, Manchester United and Liverpool.

The 16-year-old eventually moved to the Santiago Bernabeu from Stromsgodset but, according to Danish scout Ove Flindt Berg, Gladbach were set to steal the Norwegian prodigy from under the noses of Europe's elite until Madrid entered the race.

"I am absolutely sure that if he hadn't ended up at Real Madrid then he would have chosen us at Gladbach," the 66-year-old told DR. "We were so far down the road. No one really knows that."We could not compete with Real Madrid. That's the way it is."

Berg, who played for AaB in his native Denmark before stints abroad with Karlsruher and San Jose Earthquakes in the 1970s and 1980s, added that he was convinced of Odegaard's talent after one look at the attacking midfielder.

"I only needed to see Martin Odegaard once. After that, I visited him at his parents' home three times and the club also had another representative go up and visit him," he said.

Odegaard made his La Liga debut for Real in the final round of the 2014-15 season, coming off the bench in a 7-3 victory over Grenada, while he has made six appearances for Norway's senior team.

 

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Neymar's mistake hurt Brazil, laments Dani Alves

Brazil right-back Dani Alves has revealed that he lectured his Barcelona team-mate Neymar over the latter's dismissal in last Wednesday's 1-0 loss to Colombia.

The 23-year-old received a straight red card when he attempted to headbutt Colombian stopper Jeison Murillo after the full-time whistle before then landing himself in further trouble by insulting referee Enrique Osses in the tunnel.

Neymar was subsequently hit with a four-game suspension, thus depriving Brazil of their captain for the remainder of their Copa America campaign.While Selecao team-mate Alves insists that the ban was excessive, the defender conceded that his young compatriot has to start handling provocation better.

"I told him to be quiet and learn from all this so he doesn’t repeat these mistakes, which have ultimately hurt Brazil," Dani Alves told reporters after the match."The punishment was too severe. If it had been another player then there would not have been such an impact. It’s bad for us as we’ve lost our difference-maker.

"He’s a player who gets kicked around, but we don’t give [those things] importance. Football is far more beautiful than that, it’s about the great moves and goals."

The Brazilian Football Confederation confirmed on Monday that Neymar would leave the country following their decision not to appeal for a reduction to the ban.

 

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Pirlo denies announcing Juventus exit for New York City FC

Juventus ace Andrea Pirlo has denied that he is set to join Major League Soccer side New York City FC.

The 36-year-old playmaker is currently on holiday in the United States, fuelling rumours that he is ready to quit the Bianconeri this summer.

Pirlo even appeared to confirm the move to New York in a poorly written message on Instagram but the Italy international promptly pointed that he could not have been responsible for the post - not least because he has a good command of his own language.

"Good morning," he wrote on Twitter. "I would like to point out again that I have no profile on Instagram."If I open one, it will be written in proper Italian."

The midfielder joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer from AC Milan in the summer of 2011 and played a key role in the club's four subsequent Scudetti successes.

 

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'De Bruyne not yet world class' - Moller

Former Borussia Dortmund midfielder Andreas Moller claims Wolfsburg star Kevin De Bruyne is not yet world-class.

The 23-year-old De Bruyne enjoyed a breakthrough season last term, starring for Belgium in the 2014 World Cup before matching the Bundesliga's all-time record for assists (20) as his club finished as runners-up to Bayern Munich.

However, despite declaring the young attacker as the best of his kind in Germany, Moller believes De Bruyne still has much to prove.

"To be considered world class, De Bruyne must first leave his mark at top international level, in a competition like the Champions League," the ex-Germany international, who lifted the trophy himself in 1997, told Kicker.

"Still, he is the best attacking midfielder in the Bundesliga, the No.1 based on the form he showed in the last six months. He has outstanding skills, scores goals and assists many more."

De Bruyne moved to Volkswagen Arena in January 2014 from Chelsea in search of more playing time, and quickly established himself as the driving force of the Lower Saxony side.

The former Genk starlet was named in the Uefa's Europa League squad of the season, as well as Kicker's best Bundesliga XI following his exploits over the recent campaign.

 

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Abidal: I want to deliver the next Messi at Barcelona

Eric Abidal has announced he will become Barcelona's sporting director if former chief Joan Laporta wins the club's upcoming presidential elections, claiming he wants to find the next Lionel Messi.

The retired defender represented the Catalans for six years, winning four La Liga titles and two Champions League trophies before leaving when his contract expired under ex-president Sandro Rosell.

However, the 35-year-old has now announced his desire to return to Camp Nou in a directorial role as part of Laporta's team and hopes to bring new stars through Barca's famed La Masia youth system.

"For me it is an honour to be here next to Joan," Abidal told reporters alongside the man who brought him to the club as a player. "I wanted to continue working here and for many years I thought about what I could do.

"We want to start a new project and find new players in La Masia, players like Leo Messi, Xavi Hernandez or Andres Iniesta. The club is the club of fans and they are in charge.

"I have been fortunate to be here on a personal and professional level. I'm very excited about this project. Barcelona is more than a club. Visca Barca and Visca Catalunya."

Laporta spoke as well, stating his determination to return the outfit to the principles of Barcelona legend Johan Cryuff and focus on delivering first-team prospects from the youth ranks again.

"Cruyff changed the philosophy of the club, created a winning mentality and that philosophy created a style that is admired throughout the world," the lawyer, who led the club between 2003 and 2010, stated.

"This philosophy has led us to win all the titles we could win. You cannot defend this model if the person who inspired you is out. Therefore, I will speak with Cruyff.

"La Masia is a question of identity. We have to teach the culture of effort and teamwork. We want to base the foundations for the new Barca. We want La Masia to work well again. Seeing how many La Masia players have reached the first team pushes us to bet on this basis.

"Enrique defends Barca's style and the philosophy of the club. The times evolve and Enrique has evolved the system. Now we also have other [tactical] variants. It is an honour for us and we think it is fair for Enrique to continue."

Laporta also declared his intention to replace current shirt sponsors Qatar Foundation with Unicef's logo again, concluding: "We are in favour of Unicef, other presidential rivals are the ones who like Qatar.

"The values of freedom and democracy that transmits Catalunya are ours. They are neither better nor worse than yours, but it's not good to link the image of the club to another country."

The election to decide who runs Camp Nou concludes on July 18, with Josep Maria Bartomeu, Agusti Benedito and Jordi Majo also among the candidates to run the club.

 

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Cech could save Arsenal 15 points per season, says Chelsea captain Terry

Chelsea captain John Terry says Petr Cech would strengthen Arsenal and believes that signing him could save Arsene Wenger's side 15 points a season.

Goal revealed at the start of June that the 33-year-old has asked to join the Gunners this summer after he lost his place as the Blues' first-choice goalkeeper to Thibaut Courtois last term.

Terry has praised Cech for his mentality after being left out by Jose Mourinho but understands why the Czech Republic international wants to leave Stamford Bridge.

"There's talk of Arsenal signing Petr Cech and, if they do get him, he will strengthen them for sure. He will save them 12 or 15 points a season," Terry told talkSPORT.

"Petr was an unbelievable professional last year. When you get left out of the team it can be hard to accept but, when he came in, he was exceptional.

"He deserves a lot of credit for that. We understand he wants to play first-team football but nobody wants to see him leave the club. He's going to be sorely missed and will improve any side he goes to."

 

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Henry: Pogba was ready for Manchester United

Thierry Henry believes Paul Pogba is a “special player” and was ready to star on the biggest stage even before he joined Juventus from Manchester United three years ago.

Pogba is a transfer target for several leading clubs across Europe after playing a key role in Juventus' Serie A and Coppa Italia triumphs last season.

The 22-year-old midfielder has attracted interest from Manchester City and Chelsea in the Premier League - and fellow Frenchman Henry is not surprised by talk suggesting he could leave Turin for as much as €100 million this summer.

“He is a special player and that’s why every team wants him,” Henry told Goal at the launch of Arsenal's new Puma home kit. “Is he going to stay at Juve? I don’t know. But whoever gets him is going to get an amazing player.

“I was a bit upset for him because he couldn’t perform the way he wanted to perform at the end of the season because he came back from an injury at the wrong time.

“For people to talk about him the way they talk about him right now, it’s because he has something that young players his age don’t have right now.”

Pogba joined Juventus from Manchester United in 2012 for a nominal compensation fee after he grew frustrated with a lack of playing opportunities under Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford.
Arsenal legend Henry has been tracking Pogba’s progress for a long time and admits he was surprised that the youngster left United in the first place.

Henry added: “He was ready to play at the time he left Manchester United. I don’t know what happened there, he was ready for me at that time.

“I saw him play in a World Cup with the France youth team and you could see already that he had something different from the other players.

“It didn’t work for him at United for various reasons but he showed character, he went to Juve and showed he could play. Now everybody wants him.”

 

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Ings ready to fight for Liverpool place

New Liverpool signing Danny Ings is relishing the challenge of fighting for a place in the team following his move from Burnley.

Earlier in June, the Reds announced an agreement to sign the striker when his contract with the Clarets - relegated from the Premier League last season - expires at the end of the month.

The Bournemouth academy graduate - who spent time on loan at non-league Dorchester Town in the 2010-11 season before leaving Dean Court for Turf Moor - scored 11 goals in 35 Premier League appearances last term.

But he will have plenty of competition for places in a Liverpool side who boast the likes of Daniel Sturridge, Raheem Sterling, Mario Balotelli, Rickie Lambert and Divock Origi among their attacking options.

Speaking after England's 1-0 win over Sweden at the Under-21s European Championship on Sunday, Ings told the press: "Words can't describe it, the move that I've got for myself. At the same time, I've worked my way from the bottom so it is even more special for me.

"It is a challenge I am looking forward to. I never sort of get complacent with anything like that and now I've got that move I will work even harder to try and get into that team and be the best professional I can be."

 

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Benitez: It will be difficult to improve Real Madrid squad

New Real Madrid boss Rafa Benitez believes it will be "enormously difficult" to improve his current set of players in the summer transfer window.

The Blancos went without La Liga, the Copa del Rey or the Champions League last season, costing Carlo Ancelotti his job as head coach, but the same team also enjoyed a 22-game win streak in the latter half of 2014.

Although the former Liverpool and Valencia boss – who departed Napoli for the job at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he started his career – suggested arrivals are on the horizon, he tempered expectations of a spending spree by stressing how strong Madrid's team already is.

"Of course there will there be new faces," he told the club's official website. "Danilo [already signed from Porto] and Casemiro [returning from year-long loan at the Dragao], for example, are players who are going to be important.

"The club works every day to try to raise the level of this team with some incorporation to help us meet the challenges, but let me tell you that improving the current squad of Real Madrid is enormously difficult.

"This team has won everything and has shown the level they can reach. Fans can be assured that this foundation will have the level of competitiveness that is required of this club."

Big Blancos names such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Iker Casillas, Sergio Ramos, Gareth Bale and Raphael Varane have all been linked with following Ancelotti out the capital club's exit door.

However, Benitez stressed he has spoken to all of the players and they are looking forward to working under him, with nobody demanding to play in a certain position in the upcoming campaign.

"From the first moment I arrived, my staff and I contacted the players. They have all shown a willingness to work with me - Sergio, Iker, Cristiano, Bale, Pepe, Varane. In short, all of them have been excellent," the coach continued.

"The first thing I did was listen, to know what went right or wrong last season, to understand their feelings. Once we're together in pre-season I will decide what's best for the team and for each of the players.

"As for who will play and where, as I said, we have to be together, train together and then I'll decide. Iker, Sergio, Cristiano, Isco, Bale... Contrary to what is said in some media outlets, no 'demands' have been made to play here or there.

"Not least because we must still decide the best tactical system to try to maximise the potential of each player. They have to be comfortable on the field so they can give the best of themselves."

 

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'Arsenal don't need a galactico, they have Alexis' - Henry


Arsenal legend Thierry Henry says the Gunners do not need to sign a star name this summer because they already have Alexis Sanchez.

Alexis scored 25 goals in his first season in England following his €40 million transfer from Barcelona and played a key role as the Gunners retained the FA Cup in May.

Arsene Wenger is looking to improve his squad ahead of a potential title challenge next season but Henry believes the Chilean already provides an “x-factor”.

“We obviously have to add a few but we have a special player already in Alexis Sanchez,” Henry told Goal at the launch of Arsenal's new Puma home kit.
“Alexis needs to settle a bit. He already had an amazing season but I expect him to be better next year. If he can stay injury free, he is that guy who can fire you to win the league.

“Alexis has been tremendous and [Mesut] Ozil has been very good since he arrived, but one of the keys for me this year was how [Francis] Coquelin balanced the midfield. And he didn’t cost Arsenal anything.

“As soon as Francis came in the team, Santi Cazorla played way better, Alexis Sanchez is the x-factor, Olivier Giroud is scoring goals.

“You don’t win titles only because you spend money. You need to have the right balance in the team and consistency. Money doesn’t always buy you titles.”

Arsenal lost seven league matches last season and finished third in the table but demonstrated their potential by winning eight consecutive games between February and April.
Henry admitted the Gunners' consistency over the course of a full campaign must improve and believes four players are needed for them to take the title off Chelsea.

“You need consistency to win the league,” he added. “To win the title, you can’t lose more than two or three games. That’s what it takes.

“The squad is good. I think some key players can be added and it’s up to Arsene if he wants to do it.

“I still think we are short of a goalkeeper, striker, holding midfielder and a defender. Arsene knows more than anyone what the team needs but consistency is key.”

 

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Official: Juve sign Mandzukic for €19 million

Serie A champions Juventus have completed the signing of striker Mario Mandzukic from Atletico Madrid for a fee of €19 million.

Mandzukic, 29, only joined Atletico from Bundesliga side Bayern Munich in July 2014 and went on to score 20 goals in all competitions for the Spanish club last season.The former Wolfsburg man shunned interest from the Premier League club to put pen to paper on a four-year deal with the beaten Champions League finalists.

As expected, the Croatia international passed Monday's medical leaving Juventus to conclude the €19m deal - split in instalment payments over three years - with €2m in bonuses to be potentially paid to Atletico.

Mandzukic's arrival comes amid speculation that Carlos Tevez could leave Juventus, with boyhood club Boca Juniors expected to sign the Argentine after the ongoing Copa America concludes.

The transfer of Mandzukic marks the second move Juve have made to bolster their forward this month line,following the signing of Pablo Dybala from Palermo for a fee that could rise to €40m.

 

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Congratulations Mandzukic!

Juventus la ikmanata ikmanata playersla sign karagannawa​

 

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Kondogbia reveals Mancini phone call

Geoffrey Kondogbia has revealed a phone call from Inter coach Roberto Mancini convinced him to join the club in a €40 million deal from Monaco.

The France international underwent a medical on Monday after signing a four-year deal worth €4 million a year on Sunday, having originally appeared set to join AC Milan.

However, Kondogbia said the intervention of Mancini persuaded him to choose the Nerazzurri over their arch-rivals.

"It's a real pleasure for me and I hope we can achieve big things together," he told the club's television channel. "I spoke with Mancini a week ago. "What he said really convinced me - I don't think you can say no to a club like Inter."

Kondogbia made 66 appearances for Monaco following his move from Sevilla in 2013, but reveals he wants to stay at Inter for many years."Being a part of this great team is a dream come true," he added. "I want to be here for as long as possible.

"As a kid I used to watch Inter play on TV, and now I'm joining this huge club. I will give my all."

 

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Gundogan agent discusses Bayern rumours

Ilkay Gundogan's uncle and agent has refused to rule out a move to Bayern Munich but denied claims he will run down his contract at Borussia Dortmund and join the Bavarians on a free transfer next summer.

The midfielder has just 12 months remaining on his current deal and there are fears at BVB that he could follow in the footsteps of Robert Lewandowski, who joined Bayern after his contract expired last summer.

Ilhan Gundogan told Süddeutsche Zeitung: "With Bayern Munich we never talked about money with one syllable. There has never been a demand from us made to Bayern. We are not in a position to demand anything from a club like Bayern.

Regarding the prospect of him joining Bayern on a free transfer next summer, he added: "We would have never accepted that. It was always clear that Dortmund should get a fee, [they deserve] a sign of gratitude.“

Gundogan's representative also revealed the Germany international has held positive talks with new Dortmund boss Thomas Tuchel."It was a very good talk and Ilkay is having thoughts now. [Staying at] Dortmund is certainly an option again."