“I couldn’t wait” – Gianluigi Donnarumma opens up on Manchester City transfer | OneFootball

Manchester City’s newest recruit Gianluigi Donnarumma has opened up on his switch to the Etihad Stadium on deadline day, bringing an end to a drawn-out saga.

The 26-year-old’s move from Paris Saint-Germain was one of the biggest stories of the summer transfer window, with weeks of speculation surrounding his future and City’s search for a long-term successor to Ederson.

Ultimately, the two clubs struck a €30 million agreement that saw the Italy international goalkeeper complete his switch to the Premier League giants, signing a five-year contract in the process including the option of a further 12 months.

For City, the deal represents both a statement of intent and a strategic move. Donnarumma arrives with a wealth of experience despite his age, having already racked up over 400 senior appearances for AC Milan and PSG, in addition to winning the European Championships and Champions League.

His signing also comes at a time when Manchester City are rebalancing their goalkeeping department, with Ederson joining Fenerbahce on deadline day, Stefan Ortega’s future unclear, and James Trafford re-joining the club from Burnley earlier in the summer.

Donnarumma’s arrival has also been seen as an interesting fit for Pep Guardiola’s system, with the Italian not always recognised as the most technical in this area, despite his physical presence and shot-stopping ability making him an intriguing addition.

Speaking whilst away on international duty with Italy, Gianluigi Donnarumma faced media questions during a press conference, in which he spoke out on the move to Manchester City, being coached by Pep Guardiola, and the matter of passing out from the back.

“I’ve always trained well and I couldn’t wait to join City because they really wanted me, the coach really wanted me, and that made me proud,” Donnarumma admitted, as translated and relayed by Football Italia.

“To be wanted so strongly by the best club in the world makes me proud, but also very emotional and happy… When you are wanted so strongly by a club like City it means you’ve worked well, and being wanted by one of the strongest coaches in the world like Guardiola is an indescribable emotion.”

The 26-year-old continued, “I’m proud to be coached by Guardiola, who has won so much and is one of the best in the world. I can improve so much with him and achieve big satisfactions.”

Donnarumma was also quizzed on the importance of build-up play from goalkeeper into defence, and further forward at Manchester City, to which he responded, “I always try to help the team and do what the coach asks of me.

“I do everything; you can always improve in everything, but regarding what the coach asks of me, I try to improve. I’m sure that with Guardiola we’ll do a great job… Since I started playing at 16 until today, I’ve always done great things.

“Mistakes will always happen, but I believe I’ve achieved great things.”

The Italian’s words will come as a huge boost for City fans eager to see their new No.25 in action. With Guardiola renowned for maximising the strengths of his players, supporters will be hopeful that Donnarumma can take his game to an even higher level in the Premier League.

What happens next could depend on how quickly he settles into City’s system. The goalkeeper position under Guardiola requires more than just saves; it demands leadership, confidence, and technical precision.

If Donnarumma adapts quickly, he could establish himself as a cornerstone of the squad for years to come. But with James Trafford pushing for minutes, the battle for the gloves at the Etihad may be one of the most fascinating subplots of the new season.