Gianluigi Donnarumma shared that Erling Haaland was instrumental in encouraging him to join Manchester City during the summer transfer window. The Italian goalkeeper, who played a key role in Paris Saint-Germain's
Champions League victory last season, moved to City on deadline day. Despite City's acquisition of James Trafford from Burnley, Donnarumma made the switch to the Etihad Stadium.
City currently trails Arsenal by four points in the league standings. Their upcoming match against Newcastle United at St. James Park presents a significant challenge. Donnarumma acknowledged his teammates' support in helping him adapt to the Premier League as they aim to reclaim the title.
This season, Donnarumma has kept four clean sheets in eight Premier League matches. His save percentage stands at 77.8%, second only to Sunderland's Robin Roefs, who leads with 79.2% in England's top division. These statistics highlight Donnarumma's impressive start at Manchester City.
Donnarumma expressed gratitude towards Haaland for his role in facilitating the move and their friendship overall. "He's a fantastic guy, so calm, and he loves his family and being with them," said Donnarumma. "We hit it off. There's that synergy there, where there's just a natural feeling. "
Taking on the Toon!pic.twitter.com/zDDmwLJE86Manchester City (@ManCity)November 22, 2025
The goalkeeper praised his new teammates for their warm welcome and support since his arrival. "I didn't expect to have such a positive impact on the Premier League," added Donnarumma. "But the team helped me a lot because the moment I arrived, they welcomed me very well. "
Donnarumma also mentioned how quickly he felt at home with his new club. "In the first training session, it felt like I had been there for two years," he noted. He acknowledged that adapting to the league's intensity required immediate adjustment but credited his team for making this transition smoother.
Reflecting on his relationship with Haaland, Donnarumma shared how they maintained contact even when playing against each other. "Even when we played against each other, we were in touch and after the games we even spoke often," he stated.
Haaland's influence extended beyond friendship as he actively encouraged Donnarumma's move to Manchester City. "Then I had the opportunity to come here, he wrote to me," said Donnarumma. "He pushed hard for me to come, and I thank him so much for that. "
Donnarumma appreciates playing alongside Haaland rather than facing him as an opponent. "He's truly a great friend and it's a good thing I play with him because it's so difficult to be against him! He's an alien!" he exclaimed.
