Gianluigi Donnarumma has declared himself ready for “the best league in the world” after completing a surprise deadline-day move to Manchester City.
The Italian goalkeeper, 26, joined the English champions from Paris Saint-Germain in a deal worth around £30 million. He linked up with his new team on Thursday, days before a possible debut in Sunday’s Manchester derby at the Etihad.
“It’s a new chapter in my life and my career,” Donnarumma said in his first interview as a City player. “Playing in the Premier League with Manchester City is a great emotion for me and I’m ready for this challenge.”
Donnarumma’s arrival ends a turbulent spell in Paris. Despite winning the Champions League and his fourth Ligue 1 title last season, he was dropped from Luis Enrique’s starting line-up, paving the way for a move.
“I’ve always dreamt about playing in the Premier League as it’s the best league in the world,” he said. “For a player, achieving here is the maximum for his career. I hope I can pay back the trust City have shown in me.”
The Euro 2020 winner spent the international break with Italy before flying to Manchester, where he is now adapting to Pep Guardiola’s training sessions, his new team-mates, and the club’s facilities.
“It’s a club that has always fascinated me,” Donnarumma said. “The training centre, the stadium, the staff — everything here is fantastic. I’m proud to be here and happy with the choice I’ve made. My goal is to make history and win as many trophies as possible.”
City, already stacked with silverware under Guardiola, see Donnarumma as both a statement signing and a long-term anchor between the posts. The Italian, for his part, says he wants to become “a symbol for the city and for the club.”
About the Author
