Manchester City cult hero Joe Hart has delivered his verdict on Gianluigi Donnarumma ahead of the Italian goalkeeper’s imminent move to the Etihad Stadium.
The Citizens have been in talks over Donnarumma in recent weeks and, on deadline day, they got a deal over the line with Paris Saint-Germain.
Fabrizio Romano declared “here we go” on Donnarumma to Man City on Monday morning and, later on, said Donnarumma had signed his contract with City.
Hart, the first goalkeeper to lift the title for City in the modern era, said he had spotted something from Donnarumma that goes against what many have been saying about him.
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Gianluigi Donnarumma with his finger on his ear during Paris Saint-Germain v Real Madrid .
Photo by Patrick Smith – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Joe Hart deems Gianluigi Donnarumma ‘more than capable’ with his feet
Joe Hart, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s Monday Night Club, described Gianluigi Donnarumma as an “absolutely humongous” presence in goal who can “win you games”.
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The 2011/12 Premier League title winner also said the Italian is “more than capable” with his feet, despite many suggesting he wasn’t particularly good.
Hart also spoke about his own departure from City, saying he’s “not going to judge” Pep Guardiola for his ruthless decision to axe him.
“Unfortunately I fell foul of his shift [in tactics] but I’m not going to judge him for that,” said Hart. “I actually think Donnarumma… I know how you feel mate.
“He is capable with his feet, more than capable. I’ve watched him play under pressure for Italy, I’ve watched him from 16 years old.
“There’s a man that can hold his nerve. For AC Milan all the way through and then he goes to PSG and helps to win their first Champions League trophy.”
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How Joe Hart feels about James Trafford situation
Donnarumma’s impending arrival could pose problems for James Trafford, who only joined Man City this summer.
Trafford would have hoped to go up against Ederson with a view to taking his spot over the course of the next couple of seasons.
However, he is now set to find himself against the best goalkeeper in the world, who is just 26 years of age and has signed a long-term contract.
Although Hart feels for Trafford, he believes the opportunity to sign Donnarumma needed to be taken.
“I am a big James Trafford fan, I am pleased with how he has done and how he’s gone back to City, but why would you not sign Donnarumma?
“He can win you games, he is absolutely humongous in goal, making top, top saves at the top level.”