“I just want more!” – Gianluigi Donnarumma reflects on Manchester City debut and ‘Mr Guardiola’ hopes | OneFootball

Manchester City’s new number one choice between the posts in Gianluigi Donnarumma has reflected with joy on his debut for the club earlier this season.

The signing of Donnarumma from PSG during the summer was one of the most eye-catching moves of the Premier League season, following on from Ederson’s eight-year tenure at the Etihad Stadium coming to an end with a switch to Fenerbahce.

Since his debut against Manchester United, Donnarumma has made an immediate impression with his commanding presence, elite reflexes, and composure in high-pressure moments, immediately earning the trust of the club’s support.

His early performances also earned him a Premier League Save of the Month award after his remarkable stop to deny Bryan Mbeumo in the 3-0 win over Manchester United, as well as widespread praise from both teammates and pundits.

The transition from Ligue 1 to the Premier League has not appeared to faze Donnarumma, who has already embraced Pep Guardiola’s demanding philosophy and the unique tactical nuances that come with the Manchester City system.

However, as the Italian himself has now explained, the adaptation process at Manchester City continues and so too does his desire to grow within the project.

Speaking during a new and exclusive interview with MailSport’s Ian Ladyman, Gianluigi Donnarumma admitted that he was “a bit excited” ahead of his debut for City against Manchester United, despite the magnitude and importance of the fixture.

“Debuts are never easy, especially in a new league, and that was a big one,” the Italian international reflected. “Actually, maybe I was a bit excited. But I think I managed it well,” he continued.

Looking further ahead to the rest of his time at the Etihad Stadium, Donnarumma explained, “The goalkeeper’s role has evolved a lot. And now I am with Mr Guardiola, who can help.

“I need a greater understanding of some important situations in order to help this team to progress… Now here at City I just want more. That’s why I am here.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s comments speak to his ambition to continue developing under Pep Guardiola – a manager renowned throughout football for elevating goalkeepers into playmakers in defensive areas of the pitch.

While the former AC Milan star’s shot-stopping credentials are unquestionable, the Italian’s openness to evolving his distribution and game intelligence highlights his commitment to adapting to Manchester City’s possession-based structure.

For Guardiola, Donnarumma’s combination of physical dominance and technical improvement offers the ideal profile for City’s long-term vision. The 26-year-old is already viewed internally as a leader in the dressing room, with his influence extending beyond the pitch as he helps mentor other goalkeepers such as James Trafford.