Donnarumma Shocks Football World with Explosive Man City Transfer Confession
Gianluigi Donnarumma revealed that he became aware of Manchester City's pursuit of his services well before this summer's Club World Cup tournament.
The former Paris Saint-Germain shot-stopper had entered the final season of his contract in France's capital following their Champions League triumph in May. Many anticipated that Donnarumma, who had experienced his finest campaign at senior level, would sign a contract extension.
According to the Italy national team captain's representative, discussions remained constructive leading up to the Club World Cup. Donnarumma assisted the European titleholders in reaching the final on July 13, with his agent stating that circumstances only changed at the beginning of August.
As PSG's recruitment consultant Luis Campos recently disclosed, Donnarumma's wage expectations were incompatible with the club's revised salary structure implemented in Paris.
Once it became clear that Luis Enrique had considered his previously unquestioned first-choice goalkeeper expendable, City moved swiftly, ultimately securing a transfer valued at £26 million ($35.5 million).
Donnarumma provided additional insight into one of the summer's most surprising transfer stories, disclosing that City's pursuit began much earlier than previously understood.
"Prior to the summer period, I was already aware that City held strong interest in acquiring my services," Donnarumma stated during his press briefing before his inaugural Champions League match as a City player.
"Subsequently, the connection grew stronger following the Club World Cup. I discovered that the manager was advocating for my signing, which filled me with immense pride. This is precisely why I had no reservations about accepting this opportunity with tremendous excitement and passion.
"My intentions were crystal clear: my ambition was to join this club, it represented my primary and sole choice," Donnarumma emphasized after a summer filled with speculation regarding competing Premier League interest from Manchester United and Chelsea.
"I'm not contemplating what lies ahead; I've already expressed my thoughts about being at this institution. I'm delighted to be at City and to belong to this exceptional squad. I aspire to make significant contributions to these colors for numerous years ahead."
"I express gratitude to the manager," Donnarumma commented regarding Pep Guardiola. "It represents a privilege for me to be present and receive guidance from someone who has shaped football history. I still possess much to absorb and enhance; that remains my objective."
When questioned about his previous club PSG, he hesitantly responded: "I prefer not to discuss what's behind me. Individuals make their own decisions, and that's inherent to football. I extend my best wishes to my former colleagues because they merit it; I maintain excellent relationships with them. Even upon learning of my departure, they demonstrated tremendous warmth; it's gratifying to have left something meaningful for my teammates. I won't discuss alternative decisions; I'm simply content to be present."