Italy and Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has admitted he had wanted to remain with European champions Paris St Germain before his recent transfer to the English club. The 26-year-old, who helped PSG claim their first-ever Champions League title, spoke candidly at the Ballon d’Or awards ceremony on Monday where he received the Yashin trophy for the world’s best goalkeeper.
Donnarumma, who joined PSG in 2021 from AC Milan, expressed the difficulty of leaving a club where he had experienced so much success and friendship. “Yes, when you go through so many positive things, when you spend a lot of time with great friends, it is difficult,” he told reporters.
Despite the emotional farewell, the keeper confirmed he has quickly settled into his new life at Manchester City. The Premier League side reportedly paid £30 million for the five-year contract.
“But the truth is that I have found an extraordinary club (Manchester City), with extraordinary players, and they welcome me like a big family and that is important for me,” he said. Donnarumma reiterated his initial desire to stay in Paris, citing the “extraordinary supporters, extraordinary players, the staff, the coach, the sporting director, the president” as key factors that made his departure so difficult.
The move marks a new chapter for the decorated Italian, who now looks to build on his success in the English top flight.
