This is what I like — Gundogan takes swipe at Xavi as he hypes Guardiola

Ilkay Gundogan recently completed a return to Manchester City from Barcelona. He immediately returned to action, coming on as a substitute in the 4-1 thumping of Ipswich. 

Following the match, the 33-year-old explained how seamless his reintegration has been. He thanked fans for their reception and staff members for how well they welcomed him back. 

"When I arrived a couple of days ago, I was joking already with the players,” he told reporters after the match, per the BBC. “That was before I signed the contract. It feels like I have never been away. It feels like home. So much happiness to play again for this amazing club.

"I got a lot of feedback the last few days—a lot of fans and friends in Manchester, players, and staff. 99% were so positive so I expected that with a good result, it would be an amazing day. Luckily, it turned out to be like that. I am very proud to be back.”

Back under Pep Guardiola, Gundogan wasted no time being effusive of the Spaniard's methods. He stressed how Guardiola was demanding, seemingly drawing a contrast with Xavi Hernandez, who coached him at Barcelona last season, as he was publicly critical at times of the team’s ambitions. 

"With Pep he is so demanding; this is what I love. Every year, I feel I have to reach my limits. I had a short meeting with him. He showed me a few sequences from the Chelsea game and said since I left he tried to adapt little details. Hopefully, I will get them as quickly as possible. I am ready to go and be challenged."

Meanwhile, Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola has revealed the greatest striker in football history after watching his side demolish Ipswich 4-1.