Gianluigi Donnarumma has described feeling “let down” by Paris Saint-Germain after being made available for transfer this summer and then joining Manchester City. The Italy goalkeeper, who played a key role as PSG lifted the Champions League earlier in the year, was unexpectedly put on the market by the club following the arrival of Lucas Chevalier from Lille and completed a deadline-day move to City.
Speaking in an exclusive interview at Manchester City’s training ground with Sky in Italy, Donnarumma said leaving PSG was difficult and left him disappointed. He explained that he had adapted to the club’s style when he arrived, but in the final months that approach changed and he struggled to understand the way the situation was handled. He expressed gratitude to PSG teammates and supporters, calling Paris a second home, and said he will always be thankful for what they gave each other despite his unhappiness about the exit.
Donnarumma revealed Erling Haaland played a major role in persuading him to sign for City. He described Haaland as calm and family-orientated, and said the pair developed a natural connection. Even when they faced each other previously they stayed in touch, and when the opportunity to join City arose Haaland messaged him and pushed hard for the move. Donnarumma called Haaland a great friend and joked about how difficult it is to play against him — “he’s an alien.”
On life at Manchester City, Donnarumma praised his new team-mates for helping him settle quickly into the Premier League. He has kept six clean sheets in his first 12 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s side and laughed that he was a little frustrated he couldn’t have kept more. He credited the squad with welcoming him immediately — he felt supported from his first training session, which came only days after his arrival, and said that acceptance made adapting to the league’s intense pace and high running demands much easier.
Ultimately Donnarumma said he must “turn the page” on his time in Paris while remaining grateful for the experience there. He underlined his appreciation for the fans and team-mates and stressed that, despite the disappointment of how his departure was managed, he is focused on moving forward with Manchester City.