Pep Guardiola has confirmed that new Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will not be forced to play out from the back if he is uncomfortable doing so, insisting the Italian was signed for his different qualities to predecessor Ederson.
City completed a £26million deadline-day deal for the 26-year-old from Paris St-Germain, with Ederson leaving for Fenerbahce after eight years at the Etihad. Ederson was renowned for his exceptional ball-playing ability, allowing City to build from the back with a high line, but Donnarumma is a different style of goalkeeper, known primarily for his shot-stopping and physical presence.
“I would not demand to Gigi to do something he’s uncomfortable with,” Guardiola said. “We are talking about one of the best players I have seen in distribution with Ederson. We didn't take Gigi to do what Ederson has done. Gigi has another quality.” Guardiola highlighted Donnarumma’s height and presence, as well as his Champions League performances last season, as key assets.
Guardiola revealed that Ederson had been open to a move away for the past couple of years, describing the decision as mutual: “At the end, it's kind of the player's decision. It happened this summer, this moment. The market gave us a chance to take Gigi, a 26-year-old, with incredible experience.” Donnarumma could make his debut in Sunday’s Manchester derby, though Guardiola refused to confirm his starting line-up.
