Gigio Donnarumma reveals 'honest' reason behind joining Man City

Vishal Bhawani

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Gigio Donnarumma reveals 'honest' reason behind joining Man City image

Gianluigi Donnarumma has explained why he chose to leave Paris Saint-Germain and make the move to Manchester City.

The Italy goalkeeper admitted it was a decision he could not turn down once Pep Guardiola came calling.

The 26-year-old arrives at the Etihad as the long-term replacement for Ederson, who left for Fenerbahce earlier this summer.

While questions remain about how a traditional shot-stopper will fit into Guardiola’s system, Donnarumma insists the trust shown by City’s manager was key.

His signing comes at a time when City are rebuilding, after also losing senior figures like Kevin De Bruyne and Kyle Walker.

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What convinced Donnarumma to join Man City

Speaking to reporters (via Gianluca Di Marzio’s official website), Donnarumma said: “Honestly, I really wanted to join Man City… they wanted me, I felt their strong interest and Pep Guardiola really trusted me. Pep wanted me there and I can only feel proud about that. I’m so, so happy to join such a top club.”

The Italian goalkeeper enjoyed four years in Paris but admitted he had sensed the end of his time at PSG.

Reports suggested Chelsea and other clubs monitored his situation, but Guardiola’s persistence proved decisive. Donnarumma, who was once praised by Pep as a teenager at AC Milan, now finally links up with him almost a decade later.

City fans may wonder if his style matches the manager’s preference for ball-playing keepers.

Yet Guardiola’s belief in him suggests there is already a plan. With Erling Haaland calling him one of the best in the world, the expectation is high.

For Donnarumma, the chance to be wanted this much was the real clincher — sometimes transfers are less about tactics, and more about trust.

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Vishal Bhawani

Vishal Bhawani is a sub-editor for the Affiliate Content team and a writer and sub-editor for the Football Wires team at The Sporting News. Based in Indore, India, he holds a Diploma in Operations and Management from Maharashtra University.

Before joining TSN in May 2024, Vishal contributed to Football Express and Six Sports and ran his own blog, Anfield Home, as a passionate Liverpool fan. An avid traveler, he follows multiple sports, including cricket, soccer, and tennis.