Gianluigi Donnarumma ready to test himself in 'the best league in the world'

Italian in line for City debut in Sunday's Manchester derby against United

Gianluigi Donnarumma joined Manchester City on transfer deadline-day. PA

Gianluigi Donnarumma said he is ready to embrace the challenge of playing in the Premier League after sealing a transfer deadline-day move to Manchester City.

The 26-year-old goalkeeper completed a £30 million transfer from Paris Saint-Germain on September 1, signing a five-year deal with the 10-time English champions. He spent his first days at the Etihad Campus this week following his international commitments with Italy.

Donnarumma, who lifted the Uefa Champions League and a fourth Ligue 1 crown with PSG last season, admitted the lure of testing himself in what he called “the best league in the world” was decisive in his decision to join Pep Guardiola’s side.

ExclusiveMan United's 'best signing in years' Mazraoui on Amorim, Ten Hag, and his faith

Read More

“This is a new chapter in my life and my career,” Donnarumma said. “Playing in the Premier League with Manchester City is a great emotion for me and I’m ready for this challenge.

“I’ve always dreamt about playing in the Premier League. For a player, I think achieving in this league is the maximum for his career. I’m really happy to be here. I’m willing to take to the pitch for this club, who tried so hard to sign me, and I hope I can pay that trust back.”

The Euro 2020 winner could be handed a debut as soon as Sunday, with City welcoming Manchester United to the Etihad Stadium. He spent Thursday meeting new teammates, familiarising himself with the training facilities and reflecting on what he hopes will be a trophy-laden spell.

“It’s a club that has always fascinated me,” he said. “You can’t tell what the values of the club are until you see it with your own eyes, and everything here is fantastic – the stadium, the training centre, the staff.

“I’m proud to be here and happy with the choice I’ve made. I hope I will make history and win as many trophies as possible.”

City endured a disappointing 2024/25 campaign, finishing third and surrendering their four-year grip on the Premier League title. Guardiola and new sporting director Hugo Viana have moved to refresh the squad, with Donnarumma seen as a statement signing to succeed Ederson, whose distribution defined City’s recent style of play.

“I’m focused on this new challenge,” Donnarumma added. “I want to become a symbol for the club, make the fans proud and win a lot of trophies together.”

While Donnarumma is in line to play against United, Guardiola faces a mounting injury crisis.

Omar Marmoush has been ruled out with a knee injury picked up during a recent World Cup qualifier with Egypt.

There are questions over the availability of John Stones, Rayan Ait-Nouri, Rico Lewis, Nico O’Reilly and Abdukodir Khusanov, who all withdrew from international duty this week.

Rayan Cherki, Mateo Kovacic and Kalvin Phillips remain out, while Josko Gvardiol is yet to feature this season.

Phil Foden and Savinho missed the defeat at Brighton before the international break but could return at the weekend.