Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has admitted that he was reluctant to leave Paris Saint-Germain before his high-profile move to the Etihad this summer.
Donnarumma sealed a £30m move to Manchester City on transfer deadline day, signing a five-year contract. The Italian shot-stopper has since made a solid start to life in England, conceding just once in two outings and pulling off key saves for City against Manchester United and Arsenal.
However, the 26-year-old wasn’t expecting to depart the Parcs des Princes this summer and he has recently admitted that he had wanted to remain in the French capital before his eventual switch to City.
“Yes, when you go through so many positive things, when you spend a lot of time with great friends, it is difficult,” Donnarumma told reporters.
“But the truth is that I have found an extraordinary club [Man City], with extraordinary players, and they welcome me like a big family, and that is important for me.
“Change is difficult, but at the base, I had found [at PSG] really extraordinary supporters, extraordinary players, the staff, the coach, the sporting director, the president. That is why I had wanted to stay.”
Donnarumma, a key member of PSG’s treble-winning campaign last season, was deemed surplus to requirements by manager Luis Enrique after Lucas Chevalier’s arrival from Lille.
During his four years in Paris, he made 104 Ligue 1 appearances and played 40 times in the Champions League, where he kept six clean sheets in the 24/25 edition while conceding 14 goals across 15 games.
His performances earned recognition on Monday as he claimed the Yashin Trophy at the Ballon d’Or ceremony, while also finishing ninth in the overall standings.
Olaoluwa is a dedicated sports writer and passionate football enthusiast with two years of experience. Known for his keen analysis and commitment to the game, his work reflects a deep love for football, blending strategic insight with the emotional moments that make it a global passion. He is focused on honing his skills and consistently aims to inspire and engage readers through every article he writes.
