Ilkay Gundogan has revealed that he has married his partner Sara Arfaoui this week, with his new wife appearing to criticise reports that the midfielder was leaving Manchester City.
Recent reports have suggested Gundogan will be sold by City in the summer, with his contract up in 2023 and the club apparently not willing to offer an extension. It was claimed that Gundogan was seen jetting off to Madrid in a private plane from Manchester Airport, with the trip made to sound like it was being made so that the midfielder could engage in transfer talks.
However, City insisted that Gundogan's future won't be decided before the end of the season, with MEN Sport reporting that the German's agent was furious at the report and the timing of it just before the final day of the season. Now, Gundogan has announced his marriage on Instagram, ending those transfer talk suggestions once and for all.
ALSO READ: Gundogan's Man City future will not be settled until season is over amid transfer rumours
Confirming the news, a joint post by Gundogan and Arfaoui said: "We are married. We are really happy… can’t wait to celebrate with our families and friends. Gundos."
The post was flooded with congratulations from fellow players and their partners, with the location tagged as Copenhagen. However, it appears that the post has been edited, with another original caption circulating on social media.
That read: "We are married. We are really happy… we wanted to keep it private but unfortunately after this fake news about my husband I felt forced to say the truth."
Another image of an Instagram Story from Arfaoui sharing the post added: "Never been in Madrid. Sometimes private reason is just not football." That appears to have been deleted, with the caption of the original post edited to the current version.
Gundogan has spoken on multiple occasions this season about his happiness at City and openness to staying beyond 2023, but has always insisted there have been no talks on his future.
Sign up to our City newsletter so you never miss an update from the Etihad Stadium this season.
