New keeper
Donnarumma: 'Guardiola wanting me was beyond words'
Gianluigi Donnarumma describes the rush of knowing Pep Guardiola personally pursued his signature as something "beyond words" after sealing his £26m switch to City on transfer deadline day.
The 26-year-old Italian has escaped Paris Saint-Germain after being frozen out by Luis Enrique. City moved decisively in the window's closing weeks whilst negotiating Ederson's move to Fenerbahce.
His arrival marks a tactical departure between the posts for City. Where Ederson revolutionised goalkeeping with his distribution, Donnarumma represents a more orthodox approach. Yet his shot-stopping prowess helped drive PSG to Champions League glory last term.
Speaking whilst away with Italy's national squad, Donnarumma dismissed questions over his suitability for City's possession-based approach. He revealed Guardiola's personal interest proved irresistible from the outset.
"Strong interest from a club of City's calibre reflects your hard work," he explained. "Having one of football's greatest managers pursue you creates feelings I cannot properly describe.
"I've maintained my standards throughout my career and couldn't wait to join City because their desire was genuine. The manager's personal backing filled me with pride. Being pursued so intensively by the world's finest club brings pride, emotion and happiness."
This goalkeeper brings serious pedigree. European Championship winner. Champions League victor. Not merely present for these triumphs, but instrumental to achieving them.
During Italy's Euro 2021 campaign, he denied three penalties across two shootouts - the semi-final against Spain and final victory over England. Tournament officials named him player of the competition.
Even this past season, whilst PSG's attacking talents dominated headlines, particularly during their 5-0 final demolition of Inter, Donnarumma's five crucial saves across both Arsenal semi-final legs deserve recognition.
Here stands a goalkeeper operating at peak performance during his prime years. His reputation stems from delivering under the ultimate pressure. Beyond those defining moments, he's competed across Europe's major leagues for a decade. At just 26.
His journey began in December 2014 when AC Milan's academy coaches identified exceptional talent in the 14-year-old. Such was his promise that Milan's goalkeeping coach personally petitioned owners Silvio Berlusconi and Adriano Galliani for first-team promotion.
