Donnarumma Adapts: Goalkeeper Seeks to Fit Guardiola’s Style at City

The renowned goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has expressed his determination to improve his footwork following his recent transfer to Manchester City. The signing of Donnarumma by Manchester City, coming from Paris Saint-Germain, was finalized on Tuesday. Although he is not known for his skill in building play from the defense, a key quality for goalkeepers managed by Pep Guardiola, Donnarumma is willing to adapt.

I always try to help the team and do what the coach asks of me. I do everything; you can always improve in everything, but with respect to what the coach asks of me, I try to improve. I am sure that with Guardiola we will do a great job.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Donnarumma, recognized as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, was a fundamental piece in PSG’s path to the Champions League title last season. However, he was considered expendable after the arrival of Lucas Chevalier. Errors with the feet were evident on some occasions during his time at PSG.

Since I started playing at 16 until today, I have always done great things. Mistakes will always happen. But I think I have achieved great things.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Donnarumma’s saves were decisive when Italy defeated England in the Euro final in 2021. Donnarumma arrives at City to take the place of the Brazilian goalkeeper Éderson, who moved to Turkish Fenerbahce.

Éderson helped revolutionize the goalkeeper position with his composure under pressure with the ball at his feet, providing seven assists in the Premier League, two more than any other goalkeeper, thanks to his long and precise passes. Donnarumma, after signing a five-year contract, becomes the future of City.

I couldn’t wait to join City because they really wanted me. The coach really wanted me, and that makes me proud. Being wanted so strongly by the best club in the world makes me proud.

Gianluigi Donnarumma

Before joining City, Donnarumma has an important commitment with the Italian national team, which seeks to avoid non-qualification for its third consecutive World Cup. The Azzurri will host Estonia in Bergamo on Friday and play against Israel in Hungary three days later, in UEFA qualifying matches. These will be the first matches since Gennaro Gattuso took over as coach in June, replacing Luciano Spalletti, after the 3-0 defeat to Erling Haaland’s Norway. Italy has three points in two matches. Norway leads Group I with 12 points in four matches, and Israel follows with six points in three matches.

I was lucky enough to have Gattuso as a coach at Milan. I know what kind of person he is and what he can bring. I’m happy to have found him again here. We will give everything we have to take Italy back to the top. We need to be humble and united to build teamwork.

Gianluigi Donnarumma