Donnarumma: I feel like I've been at City for years! | OneFootball

Gianluigi Donnarumma says he will go into Wednesday’s huge UEFA Champions League clash at Real Madrid already feeling like he has been at City for many years.

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Having made the switch to the Etihad from current European champions Paris Saint-Germain last September, the Italian goalkeeper has gone on to have a huge impact so far this term.

Alongside his reassuring presence, stature and big game know-how, Donnarumma has also produced a series of outstanding saves in big game moments.

And as he looked ahead to another key night at the Bernabeu as City and Real contest the first leg of our UCL Round of 16 encounter, Donnarumma spoke about how smoothly he had found making the adjustment from Paris to Manchester.

“I feel like I’ve been in Manchester for many years and this is the most important victory,” Donnarumma said.

“The feeling with my team-mates, I always do what I do best.

“I feel really good and I always try to give my best and help my team and try to give everything I can to win.

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“I try to do my job as good as I can and the feeling with your team is the most difficult thing because you need to understand how they move.

“The rest has been quite easy thanks to all of them, and the coach has made me feel at home.”

Though still only 27, Donnarumma has already amassed a wealth of experience across a stellar career that began at AC Milan before a subsequent move to Paris and more latterly at City.

His stature and calm presence have also proved instrumental in helping a new-look and largely youthful City squad be in a position where we are still fighting for silverware on all four fronts going into Wednesday’s Madrid clash.

From his perspective, Donnarumma said the help and guidance he had been afforded from the senior members of the City leadership group had also helped in making a seamless transition to life at the Etihad.

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And the keeper said, in turn, he was looking to pass his own bank of knowledge and experience on to City’s young cohort.

“Thanks to all of them, Bernardo, Ruben, Rodri… every single leader has welcomed me very well and with their arms open,” Donnarumma added.

“They’ve allowed me to feel at home. It was not easy to change everything, the city where I lived, the team I played for.

“I feel very well and we have many young players; I’m trying to help them as much as I can and in situations where I can help them out.

“I’m young but it’s true that I have experience.

“I think I can give advice to players starting to face these kinds of games.

“We have amazing players and great names that have won many titles and young players that are growing and giving us a hand through the season.”

Find out more about our new North Stand!

We’ve unveiled our plans for bars and hospitality spaces in the North Stand at the Etihad Stadium.

As previously communicated, the new North Stand concourses will feature large TV screens, upgraded sound systems, and self-service kiosks designed to create an amazing matchday experience.

Seasonal Memberships for both Cross Bar and City Hall are now on sale for the 2026/27 season.

To find out more or enquire about purchasing a Seasonal Membership, follow the link below or call 0161 385 2012.

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