Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has paid tribute to manager Pep Guardiola.

The former Borussia Dortmund star admits the Catalan's presence was key to him choosing to join City.

He told Marca: "Guardiola is one of the main reasons why I signed for Manchester City in 2016 and why I renewed my contract last year.

"Pep has so much charisma that you always try to give more than one hundred percent, not only in games, but also in training.

"His way of understanding the game, moreover, fits perfectly with my style."

Amid the coronavirus suspension, Gundogan and City are preparing for the second-long of their Champions League quarterfinal with Real Madrid - with the English giants leading 1-0 on aggregate.

He said of Real: "One of the best clubs in the world. But not only football, but one of the best clubs in the world of sports. They have always had first-class players, their entire lives.

"Since I followed them as a child, they have always had the best. I have a lot of respect for everything they have won in the Champions in recent seasons. That white shirt is unique."