Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma indicates that Manchester City's coach, Pep Guardiola, can aid in enhancing his skills with the ball.
In a surprising turn of events, Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has joined Manchester City on transfer deadline day for approximately £30 million (€35 million). This move comes as City prepare to host Napoli in Thursday's opening Champions League group game.
Donnarumma's arrival at City was facilitated by his agent, Mino Raiola, and was a move that the player himself was keen on. Speaking about his decision, Donnarumma stated, "My desire was to join Manchester City, and it was my only option."
Pep Guardiola, City's manager, has expressed his excitement about Donnarumma's arrival, praising the goalkeeper's talent and potential. Guardiola has also spoken highly of Kevin De Bruyne, who has two goals in three Serie A appearances, stating, "De Bruyne's talent, vision, passing, and goals in the final third are unmatched."
Donnarumma was previously with Paris Saint-Germain, where he won the Champions League last season. However, his relationship with Guardiola strengthened after the Club World Cup, and the goalkeeper believes that the City manager will help improve his ball-playing skills.
Donnarumma was asked about criticism of his ball-playing skills, to which he responded, "I always try to improve, and I am with a coach who is the best in these situations."
Before the summer, Donnarumma knew that Manchester City were very interested in him, and Guardiola was interested in signing him. However, PSG signalled Donnarumma was for sale after the signing of Lucas Chevalier from Lille, and it was claimed by PSG's strategic adviser, Luís Campos, that new contract demands presaged Donnarumma's departure.
Donnarumma was a boy at Napoli, and his mother is a Napoli fan. However, his move to City does not mean he has forgotten his roots, as he was asked if Guardiola's team would play in the same way with him as the keeper. Donnarumma responded that the preparation for each game is different but that Guardiola will prepare them in the best way possible.
Antonio Conte's team are expected to feature Scott McTominay, Rasmus Højlund, and Kevin De Bruyne in Thursday's Champions League game against City. Donnarumma will be making his debut for City in this highly anticipated match, and Guardiola has expressed that it will be nice to see De Bruyne after the game, as he is back at City.
In conclusion, the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma by Manchester City is a significant move that strengthens the team's defence ahead of the Champions League. The relationship between Donnarumma and Guardiola has been strengthened, and Donnarumma believes that Guardiola will help improve his ball-playing skills. City fans are eagerly awaiting Donnarumma's debut, and Thursday's game against Napoli promises to be an exciting match.
