Goalkeeper reveals working under Guardiola was an important factor in his decision to join the club
Gianluigi Donnarumma has said joining Manchester City was the only move he wanted after leaving Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
The Italy goalkeeper, who lifted the Champions League with PSG last season, was signed by City for £26m after Luis Enrique opted to bring in a new No 1. He said his mind was made up the moment the Sky Blues came calling.
“I was very clear that my desire was to come here,” said Donnarumma. “It was my first and only choice, the only thing I wanted. I’m very happy at City, being part of this fantastic team. I hope to stay for many years.”
Donnarumma acknowledged that Guardiola was also an important factor in his decision to join the club and said he believes he can still grow as a player under the City manager.
“I still have a lot to improve and I think I can give a lot more. That’s my goal. Guardiola can improve me a lot too,” said Donnarumma. “I thank him for signing me because it’s an honour to be here and to have him as a coach.”
The goalkeeper avoided directly criticising PSG, despite the circumstances surrounding his exit.
“I wish my former teammates the best because they deserve it,” said Donnarumma. “I have a great relationship with them. They’ve always shown me a lot of affection, even when they knew I was leaving.”
