Ilkay Gundogan has described his impending return to the Etihad Stadium as “special, emotional” and, above all, “a bit weird” as he prepares to face Manchester City for the first time since leaving the club.

The former City captain, now with Turkish giants Galatasaray, is set to walk out on the opposite side of the tunnel in a pivotal Champions League group clash. For eight of the previous nine seasons, the German midfielder was at the heart of Pep Guardiola’s side, helping to shape an era that delivered five Premier League titles, two FA Cups and the club’s first Champions League crown.

“For me it is a special game, emotional,” Gundogan said ahead of the match. “It is going to be a bit weird, also, against my ex-teammates, a coach I have worked with, have many memories with and was very close to. In this stadium, playing again, after so much success over so many years, it will be very beautiful and I am looking forward to it.”

Galatasaray arrive in Manchester under pressure. Sitting 17th in the Champions League league-phase standings, they need a positive result to keep control of their push for a playoff place. Gundogan, now one of the senior figures in the Istanbul club’s dressing room, framed the challenge as exactly the kind of test Europe’s elite competition is built on.

“A difficult game awaits us, but this is the Champions League – all the games are difficult,” he said. “We have the confidence and belief and we have prepared well.”

Central to Galatasaray’s task will be containing Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker has endured a relatively lean spell, with just one goal in his last nine appearances, but Gundogan warned that statistics can be deceptive.

“Never underestimate him,” he insisted. “He is a goal machine and we all know he has everything to score as many goals as he wants in a game or a whole season. It is almost impossible to control him throughout 90 minutes, but it is important not just to defend against him but the whole team collectively, to try to avoid him getting into situations where he can score. That is one of the secrets to get something out of the game.”

Despite now wearing Galatasaray’s colours, Gundogan admitted his emotional ties to City remain strong. He still tracks their progress closely in the Premier League title race and believes Guardiola’s side can reel in current leaders Arsenal.

“Of course I am following them. I am still a fan of this club, this team and this manager. I try to watch as many games as possible,” he said. “I still believe they are able to beat Arsenal. We all know once this City team gets momentum they are able to go on a long run of being unbeaten.”