Gianluigi Donnarumma names two Manchester City icons who aided Paris Saint-Germain exit | OneFootball

Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed two former Etihad Stadium icons that aided his transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to the Premier League.

Since completing his move to the Premier League during the summer, Donnarumma has quickly settled into life in Manchester both on and off the field. The Italian international has made an immediate impact in Pep Guardiola’s squad, showcasing his elite reflexes, aerial presence, and commanding leadership from the back.

Donnarumma’s presence has brought renewed stability to Manchester City’s defence, while the transfer itself marked a significant moment in the club’s long-term planning for life after long-standing number one choice, Ederson.

The 26-year-old arrived at a time of transition, with City seeking fresh energy in certain areas of the squad. The former AC Milan man’s signing was viewed by many as one of the standout deals of the summer, particularly given the value and pedigree he brought from PSG.

Already a European Championship winner having most recently claimed the Champions League last season, and recognition with a Yashin Trophy too, he arrived with both experience and room to develop further under one of football’s most acclaimed managers.

His adaptation to Guardiola’s demands has been a key talking point, with the Catalan coach placing huge tactical responsibility on the club’s goalkeepers. Donnarumma has embraced the challenge, blending his traditional shot-stopping strengths with an improved composure in possession.

Now, speaking to Manchester City’s official club magazine for the month of November, Gianluigi Donnarumma has spoken openly about his relationship with former Etihad Stadium boss Roberto Mancini and the Italian coach’s impact on the decision to join the club.

“I know Roberto Mancini very well and have a great relationship with him from our time together in the Italian national team,” Donnarumma admitted.

He continued, “I spoke to him before I came here, and he gave me a lot of advice and information about Manchester and the club, and he was very happy about my upcoming move.

“As an Italian, I am happy that it was Mancini who started City’s winning streak for silverware with the FA Cup and then the Premier League and I want to carry on that success, and I am determined to help make more history here.”

Another name that Manchester City supporters will remember fondly in relation to the Italian connection with the club is former striker Mario Balotelli – perhaps most known for his role in the club’s 1-6 win at Old Trafford back in 2011.

“I know Mario [Balotelli] from the national team, and he advised me to join City as well, saying it was an incredible club,” the 26-year-old revealed.

“In fact, all the players I spoke to who have played for City that I spoke with advised me to come here because they all had positive experiences playing here.

“Their thoughts and words made it even easier for me to choose Manchester City and I’m really happy for my family as well and I hope I can stay here for many years and, as I say, make more history for this club.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s comments underline not just his ambition, but his appreciation of Manchester City’s modern legacy – one built by figures such as Mancini and embodied through the club’s sustained competitiveness.

His desire to be part of the club’s future success aligns with City’s strategy of recruiting leaders capable of sustaining their dominance. Looking forward, City fans will be eager to see how Donnarumma’s journey unfolds. With Guardiola continuing to evolve the team, the Italian goalkeeper could become a defining figure of the next phase in the club’s project.

If he fulfils the expectations surrounding his arrival – and the guidance of two legendary Italian former Blues is anything to go by – Manchester City may have secured another cornerstone for years of silverware to come.