2 days ago
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Manchester City have completed the signing of PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and he has spoken about the move
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Gianluigi Donnarumma was hailed as one of the best goalkeepers in the world after completing his £26m transfer to Manchester City.
The goalkeeper arrives from Paris Saint-Germain to end a saga that has run for nearly four weeks and cast a cloud over the start to the campaign. He has signed a five-year deal, with the option for a further 12 months.
City lined up Donnarumma in early August to replace Ederson after it emerged the Brazilian was open to leaving. The No.1 had previously said this summer that he had no interest in departing the club, but that stance changed after the Club World Cup.
Donnarumma was a hero in Paris last season as he produced a number of outstanding saves to help PSG to glory in the Champions League as well as winning the French league. However, Luis Enrique decided to replace him this summer, signing a replacement after telling the Italian that he would be going in a different direction.
There was a big farewell for Donnarumma at the Parc des Princes the night before City played Spurs, even when it looked far from certain that Ederson would leave. However, as interest in the Brazilian from Galatasaray stalled their Turkish rivals Fenerbahce stepped up to complete a deal for City's goalkeeper.
Donnarumma's arrival changes the succession plan for goalkeepers, with James Trafford arriving from Burnley for £27m in the beginning of August expecting to battle Ederson for the No.1 spot. Amid the uncertainty that followed, Trafford has started all three Premier League games so far and made a number of saves in their 2-1 defeat to Brighton at the weekend.
He will face a tough fight to keep his spot though as Donnarumma arrives with expectations of making the No.1 spot his own. He said: "To have signed for Manchester City is such a special and proud moment for me.
“I am joining a squad packed with world-class talent and a team led by the one of the greatest managers in the history of football in Pep Guardiola. This is a club every player in world football would love to join.
“I have admired watching Manchester City for many years - so to now be able to play for the club is a huge honour and a privilege. I cannot wait to meet my new teammates, the staff and the fans. Playing at the Etihad Stadium will be very, very special for me.
“I am very excited for what lies ahead and can promise that I will give absolutely everything to try and help the Club achieve even more success.”
Sporting director Hugo Viana added: “Gianluigi’s pedigree, quality and record speaks for itself, and we are all absolutely thrilled he has joined us here at City. He has accumulated a wealth of top-level experience and knows what is required to achieve success on a sustained level.
“From a remarkably young age, he has played at the very top level. That is unusual for a goalkeeper and it means he arrives here as one of the best in the world in his position.
"There is no doubt Gianluigi will bring further quality and depth to our top-class goalkeeping department. Everyone here is very excited to welcome Gianluigi to Manchester City and we wish him all the very best during his time here with us.”
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