Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has said that he visitied a psychologist after being the victim of racial abuse. Before the World Cup in Russia, Gundogan and Mesut Ozil posed for a picture with Turkey President Recep Erdogan. This sparked controversy in Germany and many used Ozil’s and Gundogan’s Turkish origin as a tool to racially abuse them. Ozil eventually announced his retirement from the national team a week after the World Cup final, citing racism and disrespect.
Gundogan also received harsh criticism after sending a signed Manchester City shirt to Erdogan. The shirt also had a message that read, “To my president, with my respects.”
The City midfielder said in an interview with German newspaper WAZ, “I had a short conversation with the national team psychologist. I wanted to see what he could give me. But I do not think anybody can help me with this. If you are so attacked by many, booed by your own fans and insulted by a German politician, then you worry. But I do not want to run away. I want to face the situation.”
Ilkay Gundogan has started all of Manchester City’s Premier League games so far and will hope for the same when City play Newcastle on Saturday.
