Gianluigi Donnarumma has sealed his long-awaited move to Manchester City as the Italian goalkeeper admitted his longstanding admiration for the Premier League side.
Undoubtedly one of the best goalkeepers in the past few years, Donnarumma helped Paris Saint-Germain lift the UEFA Champions League last season but few could have predicted that he would be deemed surplus to requirements by the same club just three months later.
City have taken advantage of the situation to strike a bargain deal worth €35 million (£30.3 million, $40.9 million), per The Athletic, for an elite shot-stopper who had just one year remaining on his contract.
Gianluigi Donnarumma of PSG says goodbye to the fans following the Ligue 1 McDonald’s match between Paris Saint-Germain FC and Angers SCO at Parc des Princes. (Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)
“To have signed for Manchester City is such a special and proud moment for me,” Donnarumma told club media. “I am joining a squad packed with world-class talent and a team led by the one of the greatest managers in the history of football in Pep Guardiola. This is a club every player in world football would love to join.
“I have admired watching Manchester City for many years—so to now be able to play for the Club is a huge honour and a privilege
“I cannot wait to meet my new teammates, the staff and the fans. Playing at the Etihad Stadium will be very, very special for me. I am very excited for what lies ahead and can promise that I will give absolutely everything to try and help the Club achieve even more success.”
Donnarumma takes the spot in Guardiola’s squad recently vacated by Ederson, whose departure to Fenerbahçe was confirmed just hours earlier.
The Italian will now have to compete with James Trafford – a City Academy graduate – who was brought back to the club after striking a £27 million deal with Burnley earlier this summer.
