Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed he already feels “at home” at Manchester City and wants to remain with the Premier League champions “as long as possible.”
The 26-year-old joined City in the summer and has quickly become Pep Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper, featuring six times across all competitions and keeping four clean sheets. Standout performances against Brentford and Manchester United have strengthened his status as one of the division’s most reliable new signings.
“They made me feel important”
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Donnarumma described the move to England as a turning point in his career.
“I feel at home at City, even though it’s only been a short time since I moved there. They wanted me firmly, they made me feel important, and now they already consider me one of them.”
The Italian international added that Guardiola’s influence has exceeded expectations:
“When you listen to him, you’re enchanted. I imagined it like this, but the reality is even better than I imagined. I hope to stay in Manchester as long as possible, to have a truly unique experience.”
A new dimension to Guardiola’s City
Since Donnarumma’s arrival, Guardiola has subtly tweaked his tactical approach. City are playing more direct from the back, less fixated on long possession phases — a shift many analysts see as an adaptation to the goalkeeper’s profile.
While Donnarumma’s footwork was questioned in France, his reflexes, command of the area and shot-stopping have already proven decisive in the Premier League. Sources around the Etihad suggest Guardiola values his personality and communication even more than his distribution.
From Paris to Manchester – and maturity in between
The Italy No 1 reflected on how the contrasting demands of Serie A, Ligue 1 and now the Premier League have shaped his mentality.
“I’ve been fortunate to experience very different realities — from Ligue 1 to the Premier League, where I’ve recently arrived. From afar, I can say that our football is no less than the others.”
At Paris Saint-Germain, Donnarumma often shared minutes; in Manchester, he has become indispensable.
Those close to the player believe the clarity of Guardiola’s trust is key to his resurgence.
Analyst Verdict – Comfort, trust and evolution
FootballPlace analyst John William writes:
“What’s striking about Donnarumma at City isn’t just the saves — it’s the calm. Guardiola has built a team that plays faster yet concedes less chaos, and Donnarumma fits that balance perfectly. He’s not Ederson 2.0, he’s something new: a reminder that Pep can evolve without losing control.”
For City, it’s another successful recalibration in goal — and for Donnarumma, the start of a chapter that finally feels like home.
Key Insights
- Donnarumma: “Better than I imagined… I hope to stay as long as possible.”
- Four clean sheets in his first six games for Manchester City.
- Guardiola adapting tactics to complement the Italian’s strengths.
- City playing more direct from goal to attack transition.
- Player emphasises gratitude and long-term commitment to the club.
What’s Next for Donnarumma and Manchester City
Manchester City return to Premier League action this weekend against Everton, with Donnarumma expected to start once again.
Pep Guardiola will continue rotating his defensive line, but the Italian’s presence between the posts looks non-negotiable.
As the club pushes deeper into the Champions League group stage, Guardiola’s tactical evolution around Donnarumma’s strengths — faster transitions, longer passing lanes, and controlled vertical play — could become one of the defining adjustments of City’s season.
The goalkeeper, meanwhile, appears determined to make Manchester home for years to come.
If early form is anything to go by, this partnership between Guardiola and Donnarumma might just become another Etihad masterclass in reinvention.
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *