Man City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan don't feel like his former-self following his recovery from his cruciate knee ligament injury.

The 26-year-old, who injured his knee against West Brom last December, made his long-awaited comeback as a substitute in the 6-0 win over Watford on Saturday.

Gundogan said: "If I said I am the same player as I was a year ago, I would be lying. I mean, through the injury, you don't feel the same.

"You don't feel as though you are the most powerful guy in the world, not that I ever did. I will do everything to be as fit as possible.

"That could be it for all the injuries, I think I'm done now. I am ready to continue playing, to keep fit, to enjoy playing.

"I did not have doubts whether I would play anymore, I was quite sure. An ACL is a common injury so you have surgery.

"The doctors know what they are doing, the physios know how to rehabilitate the person. But, of course, it is long and it is my second knee injury.

"There are doubts if I will be again at the level I had before so, of course that is the case. Of course, because of these ups and downs, more of the downs, it is sometimes frustrating.

"The doubts are at this point even bigger. To be honest, on the other side, I had no other choice. I am a football player, this is what I do. This is what I have done all my life, it's my job.

"There was no other choice than to try again. It was a long wait – and tough as well. That is why it feels so special. The last two games I was already in the squad, already involved, but I didn't play.

"I am now even happier that I got some minutes and the way the team played was also impressive. It was the perfect day. As a footballer, you want to play as much as possible.

"Wednesday would be a good opportunity to do it but the manager will decide. If he thinks I am ready, I am ready. I am there, I am waiting for him to say."