Manchester City manager, Pep Guardiola has said he will be powerless about Ilkay Gundogan leaving the club this summer, the UK Mirror reports.
Gundogan was made captain this season following Fernandinho’s exit but could also depart the Etihad at the end of this season.
The 32-year-old’s current deal expires in June and the player is believed to be in talks with Barcelona.
Guardiola, speaking about Gundogan, who was his first City signing seven years ago, said: “I love him. I adore him. I’m married, but I adore him!
“Ilkay is such an important player. Humanity, leading with silence – and yet when he talks everybody listens.”
Gundogan has won the Premier League four times and has also lifted the Carabao Cup on four occasions as well as the FA Cup.
