Ilkay Gundogan’s Playful ‘Zidane’ Nickname at Man City Revealed
In an amusing revelation to The Players’ Tribune, Ilkay Gundogan shared a lighthearted anecdote about his nickname during his time at Manchester City, where teammates fondly referred to him as ‘Zidane.’ The midfielder explained that the moniker emerged due to the contrast between his typically straightforward playing style and moments of unexpected flair.
Gundogan elaborated, saying, “I guess because I am usually such a simple player, the guys thought it was really funny to call me ‘Zidane’ when I showed a bit of technique.” He humorously recalled instances where teammate Rúben Dias would playfully dub him ‘Zidane’ after particularly skillful sessions.
The German midfielder added a playful twist to the nickname, stating, “And I’d say, ‘No, no, today I was Pirlo. Tomorrow, I’ll be back to Zizou!'” This camaraderie and banter, even in the midst of pressure, characterized the team’s atmosphere, highlighting the positive dynamics within the Manchester City squad.
The article explores Gundogan’s revelation, providing insight into the team culture at Manchester City and inviting readers to consider which midfielder comes to mind when observing Gundogan’s distinctive playing style.
