Gianluigi Donnarumma said Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola’s interest was a key factor in his decision to join the club.
Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, ahead of the club’s UEFA Champions League 2025-26 opener against Napoli, Donnarumma said he was looking forward to achieving a lot under the Spanish manager.
“Before summer, I knew City were very interested in me. The relationship strengthened after the Club World Cup. I knew the coach was pushing for my arrival, and it spurred me on,” he said.
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The Italian said he hopes to improve his ball-playing ability with the manager’s guidance.
“I always try to improve, and I am with a coach who is the best in these situations – he will help me and we can do lots together,” Donnarumma said.
Regarding his skill with his feet, he said, “You have to sniff out danger and read certain moments in a match: there are moments you can play and moments where it is better to kick it long, especially if you have a difficult situation in a final.”
After a solid debut in Sunday’s Manchester Derby, Donnarumma now turns his focus to the Champions League, a title he lifted with Paris Saint-Germain last season.
The match will also mark the return of City legend Kevin De Bruyne to the Etihad Stadium for the first time after leaving at the end of last season.
Published on Sep 18, 2025
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com