Ilkay Gundogan inspired by the spirit of Manchester since May terror attack: 'In bad times we all stand together'

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Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan has spoken of how he was inspired by his adopted city's reaction to the Manchetser Arena terror attack.

22 innocent people were murdered and more than 250 injured when a bomb was detonated during an Ariana Grande concert back in May.

Gundogan was relaxing in his city-centre apartment when he heard the explosion and has recalled the harrowing experience.

Ilkay Gundogan has praised the spirit of Manchester following the terror attack in May

People gather at St Ann's Square to pay their respects to those who were killed in the bombing

'I was in my apartment with my mother and heard a loud noise,' he told the Sunday Mirror. 'I thought it was like New Year's Eve. I thought it was something like that, but it was really loud.

'After a few more minutes they could tell me there was an attack in the arena and my mother and I were very shocked.

'I went outside on the street and I saw a lot of people helping each other. Some people were crying and many helping each other. 

'Later I saw all the flowers in St Ann's Square. After what had happened I was really surprised how many people I saw there. It showed me in bad times that the people of Manchester all stand together. We all stand together.'

'Did I think about leaving Manchester? No, I have honestly not thought about it for one moment. I feel safe where I am.' 

The Germany international was proud of the response of the people of his adopted city 

Gundogan in action during Manchester City's victory over Chelsea on Saturday