Ballon d’Or: I wanted to stay at PSG before Man City switch – Donnarumma

Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed he would have preferred to remain at Paris Saint-Germain before making a surprise move to Manchester City earlier this month.

The 26-year-old Italian shot-stopper made the admission in an interview with AFP on Monday, shortly after winning the Yashin Trophy for best goalkeeper at the Ballon d’Or ceremony in Paris. Donnarumma played a pivotal role in PSG’s Champions League triumph last season.

When asked if he had hoped to continue at the French champions, he replied simply: “Yes.”

“It’s never easy to leave when you’ve spent so much time with people, built friendships, and shared so many experiences,” Donnarumma added.

His departure followed PSG’s summer signing of French goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier, paving the way for a £26 million ($35m) transfer to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City on a five-year contract.

Despite the bittersweet exit, Donnarumma said he has quickly settled into life at the Etihad. “City is an extraordinary club with extraordinary players. They welcomed me like family, and that means a lot to me,” he said.

The Italian also expressed gratitude to his former teammates in Paris, dedicating his award to them: “This recognition belongs to the whole team. Without them, I wouldn’t be standing here today.”

The accolade marks Donnarumma’s second Yashin Trophy, following his 2021 win after guiding Italy to European Championship glory.