Gianluigi Donnarumma: It was difficult to leave Paris Saint-Germain for Man City
By
SABC Sport
23rd September 2025
Gianluigi Donnarumma has admitted it was difficult to part ways with his Paris Saint-Germain teammates after sealing a move to Manchester City.
The Italian goalkeeper, who played a key role in PSG's Champions League triumph last season, confessed he would have liked to stay in Paris but accepted the club's decision to sign French goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier.
The 26-year-old, widely regarded as one of the best shot-stoppers in the world, signed a five-year deal with Pep Guardiola's side as he begins a new chapter in the Premier League.
"Yes," Donnarumma said when asked if he would have preferred to remain at PSG, before thanking his former colleagues for their role in his success.
Donnarumma has been crowned the Best Goalkeeper at the Ballon d'Or ceremony on Monday. He also picked up the Yashin Trophy for the second time, recognition of his outstanding performances throughout last season, capped by Europe's biggest club prize.
"When you have shared a lot with people and spent a lot of time and made friends, it's difficult (to leave)," he admitted.
After collecting his Yashin Trophy, he also praised his former PSG team-mates, adding: "This is wonderful, congratulations to the whole team, without them I wouldn't be here, it was the whole team."
