Donnarumma Reveals Years-Long Man City Dream as Transfer Finally Becomes Reality
Gianluigi Donnarumma has expressed his deep-rooted appreciation for Manchester City following the official announcement of his transfer to the Etihad Stadium on Tuesday.
After Donnarumma lifted the Champions League trophy on May 31, having been instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain's journey to a dominant final victory over Inter, it would have been difficult to predict that the same club would consider him expendable merely three months later.
City have capitalized on this opportunity to secure an excellent deal valued at €35 million (£30.3 million, $40.9 million), according to The Athletic, for a top-tier goalkeeper who had only twelve months left on his existing contract.
"Signing with Manchester City represents an incredibly special and meaningful moment for me," Donnarumma shared with club media. "I'm becoming part of a roster filled with exceptional talent and a team guided by one of football's most legendary managers in Pep Guardiola. This is an organization that every footballer worldwide would dream of joining.
"I've been following Manchester City with great interest for numerous years—so having the opportunity to represent this Club is an immense honor and privilege.
"I'm eager to connect with my new colleagues, coaching staff, and supporters. Performing at the Etihad Stadium will hold tremendous significance for me. I'm incredibly enthusiastic about the future and pledge to dedicate everything I have to help the Club reach even greater heights."
Donnarumma's representative attributed the dramatic change in PSG's position to a mere 10-day period. Following challenging negotiations about a new deal aligned with the club's restructured salary framework—reduced immediate compensation with increased performance-based incentives—Donnarumma had reportedly agreed to remain in Paris. Luis Enrique, however, had different plans.
The uncompromising Spanish manager took complete responsibility for removing his goalkeeper, stating that he desired a "different type" in goal. Lucas Chevalier was quickly acquired while Donnarumma was excluded from the club's following match squads.
Manchester City quickly positioned themselves as frontrunners for what many consider the world's finest goalkeeper—despite the fact that Enrique's concerns about Donnarumma's comfort with ball distribution would likely be echoed by Guardiola.
City also secured the return of academy product James Trafford through a £27 million agreement with Burnley earlier this summer. However, their interest in Donnarumma continued.
The Italian fills the position in Guardiola's squad recently left open by Ederson, whose move to Fenerbahçe was announced just hours before.