Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has spoken of being cut loose by Schalke.

The Germany international faces his former club in the Champions League this week.

"I had physical problems at that time due to growth," he recalled to Kicker. "I was not allowed to do any sports for half a year.

"It was cleared up and returned to my hometown club Hessler 06."

On leaving Borussia Dortmund for City, Gundogan added: "I changed mainly because of (Pep) Guardiola, because I've always admired how his teams played, whether with Barcelona or Bayern Munich."