Ilkay Gündogan pledges support to areas in Syria and Turkey affected by earthquake disaster

Areas of Turkey and Syria were rocked by a huge earthquake on the early hours of Monday morning, causing widespread destruction across several regions. The 7.8 magnitude quake has tragically resulted in thousands of deaths, with hundreds still also believed to be trapped under rubble.

Huge waves of support have since poured in, both from workers working tirelessly on the ground to high-profile figures making vital contributions in the form of aid and donations.

One such person is Manchester City player Ilkay Ilkay Gündogan. The midfielder expressed major concern following the events of Monday night and made it clear he wanted to try and help those who have been affected. “My family and I have been enormously preoccupied by the events. Our thoughts are now with the people in the crisis areas. It is essential that we all stick together now. The people need our help,” said the footballer.

He’s been extremely sympathetic to the cause and together with his wife Sara, the German-born of Turkish origin has donated two truckloads of bread to the areas most affected by the disaster. The couple have been in contact with the food service provider from HEG Gida from Balikesir, Turkey, which is where Gündogan’s parents and other members of his family are from. The player’s father is indeed there now and helped organize the transport.

The German international has insisted that he will continue in his efforts to help the affect regions: “The encouragement and support we have received so far has been great! We are currently trying to collect more food and material donations like baby food, blankets, hygiene products and warm clothing. Then, in coordination with the Turkish embassy in London, we will initiate the transport to Turkey”.