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Manchester City midfielder Ilkay Gündogan has launched a campaign to help support local Manchester hospitality businesses hit by the pandemic.
Gündogan is now auctioning off items such as personal ‘meet and greets’ and signed jerseys – with all proceeds going to restaurants and cafes.
The footballer said he was inspired to launch the campaign after businesses told him how “difficult the situation has become for them in the last weeks and months due to the lockdown”.
It follows recent data released by UKHospitality and CGA, which suggests that last year Covid-19 cost the hospitality sector nearly £200m a day in lost sales.
Currently both groups are calling for “greater government support” to help businesses as the lockdown continues.
Gündogan said: “Until the end of the current season I will provide very special items and prizes that you can bid on. All proceeds will go to cafes and restaurants in Manchester who are struggling with the effects of the lockdown.
“Over the last few years I spent a lot of time in the city’s many wonderful cafés and restaurants. During this time, I have met so many great people who tell me how difficult the situation has become for them in the last weeks and months due to the lockdown.”
He added :“I want to use the initiative to support people during this challenging time and at the same time offer fans the opportunity to buy something special at auction.”
