Ilkay Gundogan to pay for 5,000 trees to be planted following natural disasters
Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gundogan is to pay for 5,000 new trees to be planted following huge natural disasters in Germany and Turkey.
The Germany international has also pledged to raise more funds to support regions destroyed by floods and fire.
Large parts of Germany and Belgium suffered catastrophic flooding in July after a period of extreme rainfall. Turkey, from where Gundogan’s parents hail, was one of a number of countries to experience deadly wildfires amid soaring summer temperatures.
It is widely believed climate change played a huge part in both disasters and Gundogan wants to both raise awareness of the issues and support the relief effort.
As well as donating the trees, he will also do this by auctioning some football fan prizes, including match tickets, shirts and boots via https://www.unitedcharity.de/en/Specials/Ilkay-Guendogan.
Gundogan said: “I have been very concerned about both these tragedies.
“For me, who has family and friends in both countries, it was hard to believe. It cannot be denied that climate change played a certain role in this.
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
“It is particularly important that we set an example now, that events like these in summer 2021 do not become a daily occurrence for our children.
“Even in primary school, we learn how important trees are for mankind and for our climate.
“I would like to play a small part with this campaign to draw more attention to this issue, but also to contribute financial support.”
'People will remember us because we got to No.1 in the world rankings and achieved great things - but our biggest regret is that we didn’t win anything': Ex-Everton star Kevin Mirallas opens up on 'honour' of being part of nation's golden generation
‘I’m sure we’d have finished in the top four or five if he hadn’t joined Chelsea in January. Him leaving damaged the team, but we couldn’t stand in his way’: Alan Curbishley reflects on failed Champions League dream after selling key player