Gianluigi Donnarumma Opens Up About Leaving PSG for Manchester City

'I had wanted to stay at PSG' before joining Manchester City say Donnarumma

Donnarumma reveals he almost stayed at PSG before joining Manchester City, where he's signed a five-year contract worth £30 million.

“Change is difficult but at the base, I had found (at PSG) really extraordinary supporters, extraordinary players...”

Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian goalkeeper, revealed he wanted to stay at Paris Saint-Germain despite his transfer to Manchester City. After receiving the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper of the season at the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony, Donnarumma shared his sentiments with reporters. “Yes, when you go through so many positive things, when you spend a lot of time with great friends, it is difficult,” he said, expressing his fondness for his time at PSG.

Donnarumma praised the exceptional environment he experienced at PSG, mentioning the supporters, players, staff, coach, sporting director, and president. “Change is difficult but at the base, I had found (at PSG) really extraordinary supporters, extraordinary players, the staff, the coach, the sporting director, the president. That is why I had wanted to stay,” he explained.

However, Donnarumma has settled well into his new club, Manchester City, where he signed a five-year contract. “But the truth is that I have found an extraordinary club (Manchester City), with extraordinary players, and they welcome me like a big family, and that is important for me,” he emphasized. The goalkeeper reportedly cost Manchester City £30 million 

“Change is difficult but at the base I had found (at PSG) really extraordinary supporters, extraordinary players, the staff, the coach, the sporting director, the president. That is why I had wanted to stay.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma wins the award for the best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or awards! 🧤🏆 pic.twitter.com/MEMqkaUcgw

— Premier League (@premierleague) September 22, 2025

Donnarumma added that he's now settled at Manchester City, where he's signed a five-year contract. The club reportedly paid £30 million for the keeper.