Donnarumma on Messi Relationship at PSG: “What Struck Me Was His Wonderful Personality… He’s the Best Ever”
Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma revealed new details about his football career and relationships with teammates during an interview with Manchester City’s official channel, where he discussed his time playing alongside Lionel Messi at Paris Saint-Germain.
Last summer saw significant changes in Donnarumma’s career. The debate surrounding his contract renewal with Paris Saint-Germain concluded with coach Luis Enrique’s decision to allow him to leave and seek another goalkeeper with different attributes. The Italian shot-stopper then moved to Manchester City under Pep Guardiola for €30 million.
Donnarumma conceded 27 goals in 30 matches across all competitions and kept 13 clean sheets. During the interview, the Italian goalkeeper shared several anecdotes about his present and past, acknowledging the relationship he formed with Ederson, despite them not sharing a dressing room. Donnarumma stated, “I am in contact with him because he wished me all the best, and I am happy to have received this message because it is important, and it’s always good to receive messages like these. This makes me very happy. He has been an important goalkeeper for Manchester City.”
He added, “We are completely different; he is very good with his feet, which was very important for his style. We are in constant contact, and we have a good relationship. I was very pleased that he sent that message when I arrived here.”
Commenting on his experience with Messi, Donnarumma said, “It was wonderful. He is one of the best players in the history of football, and what amazed me was his wonderful personality, in addition to being a footballer. He is the best ever, a great person, a great man. Playing with him was very important, and it is something I will keep among the best memories of my life.”
Concluding the interview, Donnarumma jokingly touched upon the possibility of contributing in another position on the field, stating, “I can help with corner kicks and set pieces. I can definitely help and I’m good with the ball.”
