Ilkay Gundogan has welcomed comparisons to Spanish great Xavi.

The German midfielder recently joined Manchester City from Borussia Dortmund and is now planning to emulate the former Barcelona icon who many believe he shares a similar playing style with.

Gundogan, 25, has admired Xavi since he was a boy and is now hoping he can achieve even some of the success the now Al Sadd star experienced in a fabled career in Spain.

"When I was young I loved the football of Barcelona, especially the football of Xavi and Iniesta in midfield," he told The Sun.

"Xavi is in Qatar now and he is close to retiring but I love the way he played. Some people say I'm similar to him.

"I hope in the next years I will be as successful as him and win a lot of titles with Manchester City."