Donnarumma excited for competition against James Trafford saying ‘Competition is good for everyone’ ahead of the Derby.
Gianluigi Donnarumma happy to rival Trafford to be Manchester City’s No 1.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, the Italian custodian, has accepted the challenge of competing with James Trafford for Manchester City’s starting position, stating that “together we can make success.”
On transfer deadline day, the 26-year-old was acquired from Paris Saint-Germain for approximately £30 million (€35 million). This move was rather unexpected, considering Trafford had arrived from Burnley for £27 million on the final day of July.
Ederson, who left for Fenerbahce for £14 million last week, was replaced by Trafford as Pep Guardiola’s first choice. However, Trafford had a rough start and was responsible for João Palhinha’s goal in Tottenham’s 2-0 victory over City in their second league game.
On competing for the goalkeeper jersey, Donnarumma said: “I’m happy because competition is good for everyone. I can’t wait to meet [James], and I can’t wait to meet my new teammates. We have to be a strong and united group with people who care for each other and that is the key to success. Together we can make great success.
“I want to enjoy everything, I want to get to know the city and get to know new people and my new teammates. I’m really looking forward to discovering the environment of the stadium and I can’t wait to take to the pitch and hear the sounds of the stadium and hear the support.”
Donnarumma said: “Playing in the Premier League with Manchester City is a great emotion for me and I’m ready for this challenge. I’ve always dreamed about playing in the Premier League, as it’s the best league in the world.
“For a player, I think achieving in the Premier League is the maximum for his career, therefore I’m really happy to be here. I’m willing to take to the pitch for this club who has been trying so much to sign me and I hope I can pay that trust back.”
In addition to Trafford, Tijjani Reijnders, injured Rayan Cherki, and Rayan Aït-Nouri, Donnarumma was City’s fifth big acquisition of the window.