Manchester City were “my only option” says Gianluigi Donnarumma | OneFootball

Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed he was determined to join Manchester City this summer, insisting Pep Guardiola’s side were the “only option” he ever considered, BBC Sport reports. The Italy captain joined from Paris St-Germain on deadline day for £26m, following Luis Enrique’s decision to move him on despite a treble-winning season.

A seamless arrival in Manchester

The 26-year-old marked his Premier League debut with a clean sheet in City’s 3-0 victory over Manchester United, producing a spectacular stop to deny Bryan Mbeumo. The embrace he received from Erling Haaland and his new teammates spoke volumes about his immediate integration.

“City was my only choice,” Donnarumma said. “Everyone here wanted me, and it gave me pride to feel such affection. I came with great joy and enthusiasm.”

Speaking about his relationship with striker Erling Haaland, who scored a brace at the weekend against Manchester United, Donnarumma described the Norwegian as “a fantastic person aside from a fantastic player,” adding that he feels he already has “an incredible relationship with him.”

From Milan to Manchester

Born in Castellammare di Stabia, near Naples, Donnarumma rose to prominence as a teenage prodigy at AC Milan, making more than 250 appearances before joining PSG in 2021. His Paris stint brought four league titles and a Champions League crown, but ended abruptly with Enrique deeming him surplus.

Now, City’s new No. 1 faces a poignant reunion: a Champions League tie against hometown club Napoli, managed by Antonio Conte. “I am very tied to Napoli,” he admitted, adding that the match played at the Etihad Stadium will be a difficult encounter.

GFN | Finn Entwistle