Ilkay Gundogan has revealed what Noel Gallagher said to him on WhatsApp before he re-signed for Manchester City.
The midfielder made his way back to the Etihad Stadium in August after previously starring for the club from 2016 to 2023 – leading the club to a historic treble as captain in his final season.
Gundogan then left as a free agent and signed for Barcelona last summer, although ultimately spent just one season at the Spanish giants.
He then made a shock return to City, with an adoring fan and rock legend seemingly playing a key role ahead of the summer move.
As per the Daily Mail, Gundogan said that Oasis lead guitarist Gallagher messaged him on WhatsApp saying: “Come home, brother!”
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When he left City last summer, Gundogan was linked with a free transfer to their Premier League title rivals Arsenal.
However, Gallagher rubbished the rumours when speaking exclusively to talkSPORT, hinting he would’ve gone trophyless at the Gunners.
“He’s not going to Arsenal,” he said. “There’s no way! Why would you leave City and go to Arsenal?
“What for? They can’t pay him anymore money. They’re not going to win anything.”
Luckily for Gallagher, Gundogan opted not to move to north London and is now back at the club where he had so much success.
The 33-year-old won a total of five Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups and three League Cups during his first stint.
He has featured four times in the current campaign so far, coming off the bench in three of those appearances.
Gundogan could be set for a sixth league title this season, with rivals Arsenal next on the agenda in a huge clash on Sunday afternoon.
Gallagher will undoubtedly be watching intently, although he could first make a surprise appearance at Wembley the night before.
Just weeks after Oasis announced their return, his brother Liam Gallagher will perform before Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois fight for the IBF heavyweight title, live on talkSPORT.
An Oasis reunion is unlikely, but His Excellency Turki Alalshikh is still hopeful of bringing it to life in front of 96,000 fans.
“I hope so!” the Saudi boxing chief told talkSPORT on Liam and Noel potentially being alongside each other on Saturday night. “It will be something amazing if we get them together.
HE Alalshikh was then queried on if he had already asked Noel, and he replied: “We will try. Why not?”