Pep Guardiola involvement in Gianluigi Donnarumma transfer revealed as major goals surface | OneFootball

Manchester City’s newest face has admitted staggering personal ambitions upon arriving at the Etihad Stadium this week.

The Premier League giants made headlines across Europe with the acquisition of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain – a transfer that instantly shifts the landscape of Pep Guardiola’s squad ahead of the 2025/26 season.

The Italian arrives not only with significant pedigree, having already won international honours with Italy and club trophies in France, but also at a point in his career where he is ready to establish himself as a defining figure at one of the world’s most successful clubs.

For City, the signing comes during a summer of change in their goalkeeping department. With long-term servant Ederson joining Fenerbahce and Stefan Ortega weighing up his future, the need for a marquee figure between the posts was somewhat clear.

Gianluigi Donnarumma, just 26 years old and yet with vast experience at the highest level, fits the mould of a player who could dominate for years under Pep Guardiola’s management. Equally important to the transfer was the timing.

City are in the middle of a squad refresh, blending an established core with a new wave of talent, including James Trafford’s return from Burnley. By securing Donnarumma, the club has ensured both world-class stability and fierce internal competition in a pivotal position.

Speaking during his first interview as a Manchester City player, Gianluigi Donnarumma spoke openly about the opportunity to work under Pep Guardiola, and the Catalan’s role in enticing him towards the Etihad Stadium.

“I think his history speaks for itself. The fact that he wanted me here is a reason to be proud of. It’s an indescribable emotion,” the Italy international admitted.

“Being coached by him I think is the best for a football player. I can’t wait to follow him and take to the pitch with him. I’m sure he will help me a lot and we will do great things together, this season as well as in the following years.”

Continuing on the opportunity to play for Manchester City and in the Premier League, the 26-year-old said, “It’s a new chapter in my life and my career. Playing in the Premier League with Manchester City is a great emotion for me and I’m ready for this challenge.

“I’ve always dreamt about playing in the Premier League, the best league in the world. For a player, I think achieving the Premier League is the maximum for his career, therefore I’m really happy to be here, willing to take to the pitch for this club – who has been craving so much to sign me – and I hope I can pay that trust back.”

And Donnarumma’s ambitions in a Manchester City shirt are nothing short of sensational, and will almost certainly get supporters excited about what the future holds in this latest iteration of Pep Guardiola’s squad.

“My goal is to make history here, become a real symbol of this city and this club,” said Donnarumma. “That’s my biggest goal; make the fans proud of me and I hope to give everything possible, give my all to the fans, win many trophies together.

“It’s a historic club that deserves to be as high up as possible.”

Looking ahead, Gianluigi Donnarumma’s arrival sets up fascinating competition with James Trafford, whose development has been closely followed by the club, and could spark one of the most intriguing internal battles in the Premier League this season.

If the Italian adapts quickly to Pep Guardiola’s system, he could firmly establish himself as Manchester City’s long-term No.1, while also providing invaluable UEFA Champions League experience.

Ultimately, his relationship with Pep Guardiola may prove decisive. Manchester City fans will be eager to see whether this partnership can elevate Donnarumma to new heights and deliver further silverware to the Etihad Stadium, fulfilling the lofty ambitions he has already laid out.