Donnarumma opens up on Luis Enrique relationship following PSG rift

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·3 September 2025

Donnarumma opens up on Luis Enrique relationship following PSG rift

Gianluigi Donnarumma seemingly holds no hard feelings for Luis Enrique after the PSG manager pushed him out of the club in the summer transfer window.

The goalkeeper was one of the team’s star performers on their way to Champions League glory last season, making several top-class saves on their journey to the final.

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Despite his heroics, Donnarumma was put up for sale after failing to agree on a new contract, with his deal set to expire in 2026.

The 26-year-old was immediately linked with a move to the Premier League, with Man City quickly becoming the favourites for his signature. He eventually signed for City in a £26m deal.

Even though Donnarumma is not adept with the ball at his feet, something Pep Guardiola demands even from his goalies, he feels that the Catalan tactician “really wanted” to sign him.

“The reality is in the last few days, I was really affected by my situation but I continued to train well,” said Donnarumma while on international duty with Italy.

“I couldn’t wait to join Man City, because they really wanted me and Guardiola really wanted me. I couldn’t be more proud to be at a club like City. I’m really happy.

“I asked the PSG president if I could sign there because I was lucky to have it. I’m really calm, when you’re wanted by a club like Man City it means you have done well. To be wanted by a manager like Guardiola is an indescribable feeling.”

Read – The biggest spending Premier League clubs in the summer transfer window

Gianluigi Donnarumma opens up on Luis Enrique relationship

Donnarumma confirmed his impending departure last month, posting on his social media that “someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group”.

Enrique said “the decision has to do with the profile of the goalkeeper” after PSG signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille. “It wasn’t an easy decision but I take full responsibility for it,” he added.

Donnarumma refused to criticise his former manager, though, telling the media that he appreciated Enrique’s honestly and that coaches need to make their own decisions.

“I always had a good relationship with Luis Enrique,” he said. “I appreciated him because he was really direct and honest with me.

“I don’t know, it’s the right thing that the coach makes his own decisions. The support of my team-mates made me really understand what I gave to PSG and that’s the most important thing.”

Read – Every Premier League team to break their transfer record this summer