Donnarumma says that Guardiola’s interest has motivated him to choose Manchester City

Gianluigi Donnarumma said that the interest of Manchester City Pep Guardiola in the goalkeeper motivated him to draw at the club.

On Wednesday with reporters spoken, prior to the opening of the UEFA Champions League 2025-26 from the club to Napoli, Donnarumma said he is looking forward to achieving a lot with the Spanish manager.

«Before the summer I knew that City was very interested in me. The relationship was strengthened after the club’s World Cup. I knew the coach insisted on my arrival, and it led me,» he said.

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The Italian said he will try to improve his ball game with the help of the manager.

«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 a lot,» said Donnarumma.

Regarding his skills with his feet, he said: «You have to sniff danger and read certain moments in a competition: there are times that you can play and times when it is better to kick it for a long time, especially if you have a difficult situation in a final.»

After a solid debut for the club in the Manchester Derby on Sunday, Donnarumma is now shifting his focus to the UCL, which he won last season with Paris Saint-Germain.

The competition also marks the return of city legend Kevin De Bruyne for the first time after departure at the end of last season to the Etihad Stadium.

Published on September 18, 2025