Manchester City captain Ilkay Gundogan admits last season's Champions League elimination was difficult to take.

City fell at the semifinals to Real Madrid.

Gundogan said, "I didn't see the Champions League final.

"I could have watched it but, I don't know, I feel that every year we are not there is a year in which we lose the quality we have in the squad ... It is always a motivation for me.

"Growing up in the Champions League was the greatest thing in the world and after having reached two finals (with Dortmund in 2013 and City in 2021) and having lost both, it seems to me 'ok, something is missing' and it is something that I would very much like to achieve.

"But obviously when you know you have enough quality and potential to make it to the final again, you want to do your best to be there."