Gianluigi Donnarumma

Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed that Erling Haaland personally influenced his decision to join the club from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

The Italian completed a £26 million deadline-day move to the Etihad after falling out of favour at PSG. Since arriving, he has formed a close friendship with City’s prolific striker.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Donnarumma said:
“When I had the opportunity to come here, he wrote to me. He pushed for me to come here, and I am very grateful for that. He is a really good friend, and it’s good that I play with him because it’s very difficult to play against him. He is an alien.”

He added:
“I didn’t expect to have such a positive impact in the Premier League straight away, but the team has helped me a lot. From the moment I arrived here I have felt very welcome.”

Donnarumma has recorded six clean sheets in 12 appearances for City so far and has quickly established himself as Pep Guardiola’s first-choice goalkeeper.