Gianluigi Donnarumma Embraces Battle With Trafford For Manchester City Starting Role

‎Gianluigi Donnarumma says he is embracing the challenge of competing with James Trafford for the No. 1 spot at Manchester City, insisting that “together we can make success.”

‎The 26-year-old goalkeeper joined from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day in a deal worth around £30m (€35m).

‎His arrival came just weeks after City had signed Trafford from Burnley for £27m, making the move a surprise to many.

‎Trafford displaced Ederson, who left for Fenerbahce for £14m last week, as Pep Guardiola’s first choice but made a shaky start. He was culpable for João Palhinha’s goal in Tottenham’s 2-0 win at 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 achieve 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.”

‎The Italian trained for the first time with Guardiola’s squad on Thursday. The manager has yet to decide whether to give him his debut in Sunday’s visit of Manchester United for the 167th derby.

‎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, which has been trying so much to sign me, and I hope I can pay that trust back.”

‎Gianluigi Donnarumma became Manchester City’s fifth major signing of the window, following James Trafford, Tijjani Reijnders, Rayan Cherki (injured), and Rayan Aït-Nouri.