“I imagined it like this” – Gianluigi Donnarumma makes bold admission on Manchester City future plans | OneFootball

Manchester City’s new No.1 between the posts in Gianluigi Donnarumma has already laid out his long-term plans for life at the Etihad Stadium.

Since completing his high-profile switch from Paris Saint-Germain during the final hours of the summer transfer window, Donnarumma has quickly become one of the defining figures of Manchester City’s new-look era.

Brought in under the guidance of new sporting director Hugo Viana, the Italy international was viewed as the cornerstone of Manchester City’s goalkeeping rebuild – a move designed to add world-class experience and leadership at the back following Ederson’s exit.

The 26-year-old’s early performances have more than justified the investment, making an immediate impact across all competitions, combining physical presence and elite shot-stopping with an authority that has resonated throughout the dressing room.

His early months in Manchester have already yielded personal accolades, including a Premier League Save of the Month award for his stop to deny Manchester United’ Bryan Mbeumo and high praise from senior teammates such as Rodri and Bernardo Silva.

Now, speaking during a new interview with Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport this week, Gianluigi Donnarumma has glowed when discussing his experience at Manchester City in light of his move from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

“I feel at home at City, even though it’s only been a short time since I moved there,” the Italian international No.1 told the newspaper. “They wanted me firmly, they made me feel important, and now they already consider me one of them.”

Continuing on the subject of working under Pep Guardiola, Donnarumma explained, “When you listen to it, you’re enchanted. I imagined it like this, but the reality is even better than I imagined.”

The 26-year-old added, “I hope to stay in Manchester as long as possible, to have a truly unique experience.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s commitment to embedding himself within Pep Guardiola’s project could be pivotal as Manchester City look to evolve their squad and tactical identity over the coming years.

With Guardiola under contract until the summer of 2027, the Italian’s words suggest a shared long-term vision between player and club – one built on continuity, stability, and sustained success at the highest level.

There is also growing optimism that Donnarumma could become a new leadership figure within the dressing room, following the departures of senior players in recent windows, including the most-recent summer market.

His professionalism and elite mentality have reportedly made a strong impression on Manchester City’s coaching staff, who view him as an anchor for the club’s next competitive cycle.