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'Is he a youth player?'

Alexis Sanchez had no idea who Ilkay Gundogan was during Manchester City’s tribute to crocked star against Arsenal

Gunners star Sanchez spoke to Chile teammate Claudio Bravo before the match and was shocked to find out Gundogan was a Germany international

MANCHESTER CITY carried out a much-maligned tribute to injured star Ilkay Gundogan before their 2-1 win over Arsenal.

Users on social media, including the player himself, mocked the club for overreacting after Gundogan was ruled out the rest of the season.

 Manchester City's players lined up for a tribute to Ilkay Gundogan before their match against Arsenal
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Manchester City's players lined up for a tribute to Ilkay Gundogan before their match against ArsenalCredit: Getty Images

But at least they knew what Pep Guardiola's players were trying to do, whereas the whole thing went right over Arsenal striker Alexis Sanchez's head.

A Chilean TV network broadcast a pre-match conversation at the Etihad between Sanchez and fellow Chilean Claudio Bravo.

Asking about the number 8 shirts all the Man City players were wearing, Sanchez said to Bravo: "What happened? Who's that?"


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The City goalkeeper replied: "He f****d up his knee the other day."

Sanchez then asked: "Who? Who is the 8?"

And Bravo said: "Gundogan."

The Arsenal striker then had egg on his face when he asked: "Is he a youth player?"

Bravo replied: "No, he plays for Germany."

And Sanchez ended in good humour, saying: "Haha, I don't know anything."

 Alexis Sanchez asked Claudio Bravo is Gundogan was a youth player
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Alexis Sanchez asked Claudio Bravo is Gundogan was a youth playerCredit: Reuters
 Bravo informed his Chile teammate that the midfielder was a German international
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Bravo informed his Chile teammate that the midfielder was a German internationalCredit: PA:Press Association
 Gundogan will miss at least the rest of the season with a knee ligament injury
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Gundogan will miss at least the rest of the season with a knee ligament injuryCredit: Reuters

Gundogan faces a race to be back for the beginning of next season after injuring his cruciate knee ligament in Man City's 2-0 win over Watford.

But he seemed in good spirits when he posted an update from the hospital on Instagram after his knee surgery.

He wrote: "Hi guys! I'm doing well and today's surgery went fine. Now it's another road to recovery 🙏 #ComebackStronger - mode: 🔛"

Arsenal face a fight to keep Alexis Sanchez at the club, with the player digging his heels over a new contract.

Chelsea and a number of clubs in China stand ready to step in if Arsenal fail to meet the Chilean's £300,000 per week wage demands.

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