Ilkay Gundogan has heaped praise on Pep Guardiola and his teammates after leading Manchester City to a third successive Premier League title and fifth in the last six seasons.
The Citizens were officially crowned champions after second-placed Arsenal suffered a 1-0 away defeat against Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
The pressure is therefore off Man City heading into Sunday's encounter against Chelsea at the Etihad Stadium, where club captain Gundogan will be presented with the trophy in front of a party atmosphere after the match.
While record-breaking goal machine Erling Braut Haaland has stolen the headlines on numerous occasions this term, Gundogan has also chipped in with vital goals in recent weeks, netting four goals in his last two league games against Leeds United and Everton.
The 32-year-old, who became Guardiola's first signing at the Etihad back in 2016, has contributed with 58 goals and 40 assists in total across 301 appearances for Man City and has now won 12 trophies including five Premier League titles.
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Gundogan will be hoping to add to his silverware collection next month when the treble-chasing Citizens do battle in the finals of both the Champions League and FA Cup against Inter Milan and Manchester United respectively.
In the meantime, the German has reacted to City's latest triumph in the Premier League, stating that the club would not have won the title without the support of Guardiola, his backroom staff and the fans.
Speaking to mancity.com, Gundogan said: "To have helped the club win a third straight Premier League title is something very special.
"The Premier League is without doubt the most demanding and competitive league in the world so that tells you everything about what an achievement this is.
"This squad is so talented and so special and to have been captain this season has been an enormous privilege.
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"I would also like to thank Pep, all the backroom staff and everyone who works across this football club. Every single day they help provide us as players with everything we need in order to try to be successful. There is no way we could have won this title without all their support.
"To have won this trophy three times in a row and five times in six years is incredible. That quality and consistency helps sum up what Manchester City stand for and ensures the club will continue to strive for success going forward. It has been a season I will never forget."
Gundogan added: "Our amazing fans have been with us every single step of the way. Without their amazing backing I don't think there is any way we would have been able to achieve what we have done these past six seasons.
"Their passion and support have been so important and inspirational for us all. Hopefully winning the Premier League title again is a fitting way for us to say thank you to our fans."
Gundogan, who is allegedly on the verge of signing a new contract at the Etihad, is expected to lead the Citizens out as captain against Chelsea on Sunday.
Oliver Thomas
