Toby Wilding

Sat 4 January 2025 20:26, UK

Ilkay Gundogan has sent a message to West Ham striker Niclas Fullkrug after the Man City man got a 4-1 win at the London Stadium.

Having spoken about the challenges of his side’s unprecedented dismal recent run of form, Gundogan will have been delighted to see his team make it back-to-back wins up against his former international teammate.

The midfielder was a 61st minute substitute in game meaning he came up against Fullkrug, who netted a consolation for Julen Lopetegui’s side on Saturday (4 January).

Gundogan is already familiar with the striker having played alongside for Germany, including as part of their squad at the World Cup in 2022.

Now it seems as though the Man City man was pleased to cross paths with his former international teammate once more.

Taking to Instagram after that match, Gundogan posted a picture of himself stood next to Gundogan, alongside a caption in German that translates to: “Nice to see you again, Fulle”.

Ilkay Gundogan will have enjoyed reunion more than Niclas Fullkrug after Man City win

Football Insider Opinion

After such a difficult period it is now back-to-back wins for Pep Guardiola’s side for the first time since October following this win over West Ham.

As a result Man City are now starting to look a little bit more like their old selves, which should ensure Gundogan and his teammates are feeling a bit better about things.

By contrast this was another difficult result for West Ham in what has been a hugely underwhelming campaign for the club and Julen Lopetegui is back under major sack pressure.

Fullkrug himself has not found things easy since making the move to London from a personal perspective either after struggling to work his way into the team amid problems with injury.

Another heavy defeat to a Man City side who have looked vulnerable throughout much of this season will therefore be frustrating for the Hammers.

With that in mind this will no doubt have been a less happy reunion for Fullkrug than it was for Gundogan.

In other news, fans have claimed one player will not play for Man City again after what happened against West Ham.

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