Donnarumma Reveals How Haaland Pushed for Man City Move

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s switch from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester City captured headlines this summer, and now the Italian international has shared how Erling Haaland played a pivotal role in his Premier League move.

Donnarumma and Haaland: A Friendship That Shaped a Transfer

Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma credits Erling Haaland for influencing his decision to join the English champions. Speaking openly about his transfer, Donnarumma revealed, “He pushed hard for me to come and I thank him so much for that. He’s truly a great friend – and it’s a good thing I play with him now because it’s so difficult to play against him! He’s an alien!”

Since arriving at City on deadline day, Donnarumma has formed a close bond with Haaland, the club’s star striker. “We hit it off immediately,” Donnarumma noted during an interview. “Even before meeting, we respected each other as competitors in international matches. Now, we banter about facing each other with our national teams, but it’s great to have him as a teammate.”

How Haaland Convinced Donnarumma to Leave PSG

The Italian goalkeeper’s move was prompted by a lack of opportunities at PSG under Luis Enrique, who preferred new signing Lucas Chevalier. With City seeking to strengthen their goalkeeping options, Haaland’s persistent encouragement and warm friendship played a crucial role.

Donnarumma credits Haaland’s character and support for easing his transition: “He’s so calm and family-oriented. We were in touch even after matches against each other. When City became an option, he didn’t hesitate to reach out and convince me.”

Donnarumma’s Early Impact in the Premier League

Since joining Pep Guardiola’s squad, Donnarumma has made 12 appearances across all competitions, keeping six clean sheets. Despite his immediate success, he remains ambitious: “I’m a bit angry because I could have kept more clean sheets. But the team’s welcome was incredible. From my first training session, it felt like I’d been at City for years. The Premier League’s intensity is different, but the squad helped me adapt quickly.”

Donnarumma also reflected on his adjustment: “There’s a lot of running and intensity here, and adapting was vital. The team’s support has been fundamental in these first months.”

Comparing Haaland and Mbappé: Donnarumma’s Perspective

Donnarumma, having played alongside Kylian Mbappé at PSG, made a revealing comparison: “Erling has the hardest shot. He’s left-footed, which makes him different from Kylian. Both are tough to play against, but I’d rather have Erling on my side.”

Manchester City’s Push for the Premier League Title

After a rocky start to the season, City have regained their rhythm and now sit just four points behind leaders Arsenal. With crucial fixtures ahead, including an away match against Newcastle United, Donnarumma’s performances will be key as City aim to close the gap at the top of the table. For more news on City’s title chase and the latest updates, visit for more news.

Opinion: The Value of Player Relationships in Modern Transfers

Donnarumma’s move highlights the growing influence of player relationships in shaping football transfers today. In an era where clubs often dominate negotiations, the human connection between athletes like Haaland and Donnarumma can become a decisive factor. It’s clear that beyond tactical fit and financial considerations, the support of trusted friends and teammates remains invaluable in the modern game.