Donnarumma: I can t wait to go to Manchester City, Guardiola really wants me to join, which makes me flattered

Sports 7:56pm, 3 September 2025 113

Donnarumma, who just joined Manchester City today, attended the press conference of the Italian national team, which talked about many issues such as Manchester City, Paris, and the Italian national team.

Donnarumma said at the beginning: "What happened in the past few days has indeed troubled me, but I have always maintained a good condition. I can't wait to join Manchester City, and Guardiola really wants me to join, which makes me flattered. Being eager to be the world's strongest club will only make you feel proud. I am very excited and happy at this moment."

Reporter: How disappointed is Enrique? Can a top coach say that?

​Donnarumma​: "I have always maintained a good relationship with the coach. He has been outspoken to me since the first day of training. Disappointment? I am not sure, every coach has the right to choose. The tactical decision-making power is in his hands, but getting the support of the whole team (especially his teammates) makes me understand what I have contributed to Paris, which is the most important thing. Because what really remains outside football is human feelings: the entire environment and the sincere emotions of my teammates make me proud of the mark I left."

​Reporter​: Will you make sacrifices to stay in Paris? What did Gattuso bring?

​Donnarumma: "The four years in Paris are so beautiful, this is my home. This time will never be forgotten. Gattuso has taken me in Milan, and I know his character and energy. I am very happy to meet him again. He started well and devoted himself. We will do our best to get Italy back to the top, but now we need to take every step and gather the team. We have a strong young team that yearns to grow and passion, and I believe we will take major steps."

​Reporter: When you joined Paris in 2021, you are now in a similar situation at Manchester City. How do you view it? What is the most painful thing?

​Donnarumma​: "I took the initiative to ask the chairman to sign me because that transfer brought good luck... (laughs). I am very calm. Being so pursued by Manchester City means that your work has been recognized. It is even more indescribable to be the desire of the world's top coach Guardiola. Disappointment? The coaches have their own choices, I have no complaints. Enrique immediately told me frankly, but instead comforted me. What really touched me was the true feelings revealed by my teammates and the Paris environment."

​Reporter: Is this the best season of your career? But you may be the only Italian player who missed three World Cups...

​Donnarumma: "I don't think about this... This season is indeed, we have won too much. Paris has been wonderful for four years, but the last year is one of the most brilliant chapters of my career. I hope to continue to win the championship and pursue my dreams. Now the primary goal is the national team: the two key battles must show tenacity and desire, and I firmly believe we will do it."

​Reporter​: Is many international players joining the Premier League a proof of the decline in competitiveness in Serie A?

​Donnarumma​: "Serie A is an important league for continuous progress. Some people always say that they lack talent, which is ridiculous. There are both geniuses and strong people here. We have a national team that can grow, and time will accumulate confidence. I believe that the team can create brilliance together."

​Reporter​: Your ability to play is being discussed, but you have to play under Guardiola. Is this the main reason for leaving Paris? What's the problem with Spaletti?

​Donnarumma​: "The coach has his own choice, and I don't explore the reasons. Being able to play for Guardiola is an honor, and I am sure I can improve under him. Thank you sincerely, we are always in touch. The performance on the court depends on the players themselves, and we should have done better. Changing the coach is the decision of the chairman, but I am very happy to keep in touch with Spaletti. He has contributed a lot to football."

​Reporter: How do you improve your skills under your feet?

​Donnarumma​: "I always serve the team, and there is room for improvement in all aspects. I will work hard to meet the coach's requirements."

​Reporter: Luo Weila said this morning that the team lacks fighting spirit recently. How do you explain as the captain? What changes did Gattuso bring?

​Donnarumma​: "We lack the power to regroup against Norway. It is common for the whole game to boil when conceding the ball, but it is necessary to regain the collective resilience of the Italian style. Gattuso is making every member of us feel the importance. The goal is to rebuild team cohesion and regain fun and agility on the court. Too much pressure will lead to misperforming performance. The team is regaining its form, and I believe we can return to the promised land."

​Reporter: What is your new goal?

​Donnarumma: "Win all possible championships for Manchester City and Italy. We want Italy to return to its due position, which is what everyone deserves."

​Reporter: How to survive this turbulent period? When did you realize that your career in Paris end?

​Donnarumma​: "I have always maintained training with the Paris goalkeeper coach, and there has never been any problem in this regard. I am in good shape and am always looking forward to coming to Manchester City to start a new journey. When the training camp began, I learned that I was not in the Paris plan."

​Reporter: Have you ever doubted my skills under my feet? How do you view Serie A?

​Donnarumma: "I have made remarkable achievements since my debut in Serie A at the age of 16. The competition in Serie A is fierce, and many teams are expected to compete for the championship. This season will be very difficult. It is hard to say who is the hottest. There may be 4-5 teams that will last until the end."