Hardly anything is as easy as Ilkay Gundogan makes it look.



Certainly not the way he battled back from serious injuries to play the best football of his career, or the delicious passes he makes with the outside of his foot. Definitely not the way he became a mainstay in the Manchester City midfield as they won 14 games in a row to seal the 2018-19 Premier League title. And not, despite public appearances, signing a new contract at the Etihad Stadium.



The Athletic can confirm, however, that Gundogan has reached an agreement over a new deal that will see him commit his best remaining years as a footballer to City. He hinted as much after their Community Shield win over Liverpool on Sunday. Asked about his future, the 28-year-old Germany international immediately broke out into a broad smile.



“During last season I asked people to be patient, because it’s a decision you make for the next few years,” said Gundogan. “That’s why I was...