The Galatasaray midfielder's contract expires next summer, leaving his longer-term future open as he enters the later stages of his career.
Gündogan has already started thinking about what comes next and believes coaching could offer him a natural way to remain involved in football.
“Yes, I would like to work as a coach,” Gündogan told Die Zeit. “I have experienced what coaches can do.”
The former Germany international has spent much of his career working under some of football's most prominent managers, giving him extensive experience of different coaching approaches.
For now, however, retirement is not his immediate priority.
“As long as I still feel the excitement, I will continue playing,” Gündogan said.
“And I still do at the moment. But it is of course true that I have been thinking about the time afterwards for some time.”
Gündogan's contract at Galatasaray runs until next summer, meaning the coming months could provide an indication of where the midfielder's playing career is heading.
The 35-year-old joined the Turkish club after leaving Manchester City, where he spent seven seasons across two spells and became a key figure under Pep Guardiola.
He also played for Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona during a career that has included major domestic honours and international football with Germany.
Gündogan's comments suggest that while he remains focused on playing, he is already preparing mentally for a second career within the game.
His experience of working with different managers could provide a foundation if he eventually moves into coaching.
For the moment, though, the midfielder says the desire to compete remains.
The decision on what comes next can therefore wait, with Gündogan making clear that he has not yet lost the feeling that keeps him playing.
With his Galatasaray contract approaching its final months, his future will become clearer in the coming period. Whether that means another playing opportunity or the beginning of a transition towards coaching remains open.
For now, Gündogan's message is straightforward: the desire to play is still there, even as he increasingly considers what life in football might look like after retirement.