Manchester City was always the primary destination for Gianluigi Donnarumma this summer as soon as he knew the club were interested in him, the goalkeeper has revealed.
The 26-year-old joined from Paris Saint-Germain in a £26-million move on transfer deadline day after being frozen out by the Paris club despite being a key part of their Champions League success last term.
**Ederson**’s move to Fenerbahce after eight years at City meant Donnarumma’s switch gathered pace late in the window but he had been sounded out long before that, with Pep Guardiola’s admiration proving key.
“Before the summer, I knew that City were very interested in me, and then the relationship strengthened after theClub World Cup, *and I knew the coach was pushing for my arrival here; everyone wanted me here,*” Donnarumma said.
“That really spurred me on. It gave me such pride to see so such a display of affection from them. I didn’t hesitate to come here with great joy and great enthusiasm.
“It was very clear. My desire was to come here; that was my first and only option, the only thing I wanted.
*“I thank the manager. To me it is an honour and pride to be here and have him as my coach. I am happy to be here at City and to be part of this fantastic team, this fantastic family, to give so much to these colours and badge. I hope to do it for many more years to come.*”
Getty: Michael Regan
Donnarumma kept a clean sheet on his City debut in Sunday’s 3-0 Manchester derby victory and has come in as the club’s new No1 ahead of James Trafford, who had started the season in goal.
There are doubts as to whether the new signing is as adept with the ball at his feet as Ederson, and although the former AC Milan shot-stopper admitted his ball-playing skills can improve, he added there’s a time and place for playing out from the back.
“*I always try to improve and I am with a coach who is the best in these situations — he will help me and we can do lots together,*” the Italy No1 said.
“*You have to sniff out danger and read certain moments in a match; there are moments you can play and moments where it is better to kick it long, especially if you have a difficult situation in a final.*”
'De Bruyne has adapted so quick'
City host Napoli, the Serie A champions of two of the past three seasons, in their opening Champions League encounter and Donnarumma, who is from southern Italy, was at the club as a boy.
The goalkeeper’s mother remains a supporter of Napoli and will have split loyalties this week. “*My mum is having a few issues — I’m hoping she will be on my side,*” Donnarumma said.
Scott McTominay, the winner of Serie A’s Most Valuable Player last season after joining from Manchester United, and Rasmus Hojlund, a United loanee, are expected to feature at the Etihad Stadium.
So too is Kevin De Bruyne, who is considered one of City’s greatest players and left the club after a decade’s service in the summer. The Belgian has took to his new surroundings, scoring twice in three Serie A games, and Guardiola praised his positive start.
“*Players at that level adapt so quick,” Guardiola said. “He has incredible talent — his vision, passing and goals in the final third. He is unique. After the game, yes [it will be nice to see him] — it’s nice to have him back.*”