Friday, 14th February, 2014
Ilkay Gundogan has dismissed any and all transfer speculation around himself as "irrelevant", insisting he is only concerned with returning to full fitness.
Gundogan was injured on the opening day of the Bundesliga season and has not featured for Borussia Dortmund since.
mobile ad
The 23-year-old was, in the meanwhile, understood to be courted by Manchester United, Barcelona and Real Madrid – his father claimed once that Los Blancos were willing negotiators.
Gundogan previously claimed his future, tied at present until 2015, was open to discussion, but has now declared his commitment to Dortmund.
relatedNewsStory
"Even if you don't believe me, I will dedicate 100% of my strength to BVB", he told Bild.
"My goal is to soon be an integral part of the team. Everything else is just completely irrelevant.
"All these rumours, I never comment on them.
"I have always promised that my first contact will definitely be Borussia Dortmund. I am true to my word!"
Gundogan also confirmed his injury woes were down to "nerve root inflammation" in his back, but is confident he will be ready in time for the World Cup with Germany.
"The heavy infection in January, of course, set me back, as I was previously already back in training", he added.
"But I am sure that I will soon play at top level football when I'm back on the pitch. And then the World Cup will come."
Don't bet on football until you've visited Inside Bet! Interesting markets, top tips, betting facts – get all the info before you bet.
