Donnarumma insists Manchester City was his only summer choice

By Martin Graham

Gianluigi Donnarumma has made it clear that Manchester Metropolis was the one membership he wished to affix in the course of the summer season switch window. The Italian goalkeeper, who moved from Paris St-Germain on deadline day for £26m, stated he already feels a robust connection together with his new staff.

Regardless of enjoying a key function in PSG’s treble-winning marketing campaign final season, together with lifting the Champions League, Donnarumma was deemed surplus to necessities by supervisor Luis Enrique. He described the chance to affix Metropolis as a supply of delight, particularly after realizing the membership and supervisor had been eager on his arrival.

On his Premier League debut, Donnarumma helped Metropolis safe a 3-0 victory over Manchester United, retaining a clear sheet and making a vital cease in opposition to Bryan Mbeumo. His teammates, together with Erling Haaland, celebrated the save with him, demonstrating the camaraderie throughout the squad.

Donnarumma highlighted his sturdy bond with Haaland, praising him not solely as a world-class participant but in addition as a exceptional particular person. The goalkeeper emphasised the significance of unity, evaluating the staff’s spirit to that of a household the place each vital second is shared collectively.

A return to Italian roots

Born in a province of Naples, Donnarumma faces a private problem within the Champions League when Metropolis journey to play Napoli on Thursday. He joined AC Milan at 14, making his debut at 16 and turning into the third-youngest goalkeeper to start out in Italy. Over greater than 250 appearances for the Rossoneri, he constructed a robust status earlier than shifting to PSG in 2021.

Throughout his time in France, Donnarumma received 4 league titles, two French Cups, and the European Cup, including to his in depth checklist of honours. Regardless of these successes, he stays related to his hometown, noting that lots of his household and associates nonetheless dwell in Naples.

Looking forward to the conflict with Napoli, Donnarumma expects a tricky match below the steering of Antonio Conte, the previous Chelsea and Tottenham supervisor. He admitted he would have most popular the sport to be in Naples, and talked about issues about his mom’s well being, hoping she is going to be capable of help him in the course of the sport.

Enthusiasm for the Metropolis undertaking

Donnarumma repeatedly confused that his switch to Manchester Metropolis was a choice made with full enthusiasm. He spoke of the thrill of becoming a member of a staff the place he felt wished and appreciated, citing the Membership World Cup as a second that strengthened his need to maneuver.

He added that the nice and cozy welcome from teammates made him really feel as if he had been a part of the squad for years. For Donnarumma, the staff’s collective celebration of defensive moments displays the tradition he values: solidarity and shared achievement.

The goalkeeper’s remarks underline his eagerness to contribute to Metropolis’s ambitions, assured that the unity throughout the dressing room will assist the membership proceed its upward trajectory in home and European competitions.