Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has opened up about his close friendship with Manchester City striker Erling Haaland, highlighting the Norwegian’s enthusiasm for him to leave Paris and join the English club this past summer. Since his move to Manchester, Donnarumma and Haaland have developed a strong bond both on and off the field.

“There was immediately a great feeling, a great respect between us,” Donnarumma said. “He always has good words for me. He wanted me to come here so much in the summer – and we get on well here and also outside. We see each other often, we joke a lot here too.”

Donnarumma, who transferred from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester City ahead of the current Premier League season, also spoke about the challenges and insights gained from working under City’s manager Pep Guardiola. He described the experience as eye-opening, praising Guardiola’s tactical acumen and the impact the coach has on the team’s performance.

“I think until you live it, you will never understand,” Donnarumma explained. “Until you experience him, you can’t understand the importance he has and the effect he has on a team. Sometimes you are shocked, you are enchanted, sometimes to hear him speak, to prepare a game tactically.”

The goalkeeper expressed gratitude for the opportunity to be coached by Guardiola, calling it a valuable phase in his career. As Manchester City continues to compete at the highest level in the Premier League title race, Donnarumma’s adaptation to English football and his growing rapport with Haaland signal a promising chapter for both players and their club.