Ilkay Gundogan says the build-up to Saturday’s Champions League triumph made him appreciate the unique quality of this current City squad.

A second half strike from Rodrigo earned the victory Pep Guardiola’s men needed to be named European champions for the first time in our history.

In doing so, City became only the second English side to complete the Treble, with Gundogan’s two goals in the FA Cup final a hugely significant chapter in that remarkable story.

And while our captain pointed out that he’s been a part of some incredible sides over the years, he believes the current crop assembled by Guardiola stand out above the rest.

Indeed, the midfielder explained how the tight-knit nature of the group, beyond simply the players themselves created huge confidence in the City camp.

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Speaking with UEFA, he said: “It is difficult to describe because I think last year we already had a really special group, but somehow it feels particularly special this year.

“When I think about it now, how I felt before the game and in the days leading up to it, full of self-belief simply due to how we have been with each other over the last few weeks.

“The team spirit and the atmosphere, both with performances on the pitch and during training sessions, banter with each other in the dressing room, cracking jokes with players, staff, everyone.

“That all felt very special and for me that created an unbelievable feeling of self-belief.

“Obviously, I was a bit nervous, but I wasn’t hugely worried, because I had this extremely positive feeling in my head and this felt extremely special.”

Hear Ilkay’s thoughts in full via the video above…