Manchester City goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma revealed how Mario Balotelli played a key part in convincing him to join the Sky Blues.
The 26-year-old shot-stopper, who sealed a move to City during the summer transfer window, revealed that conversations with Balotelli made his decision easier.
Donnarumma, now adjusting to life in Manchester, says he is motivated to build on the club’s winning legacy and continue its era of success.
In an interview by Club official website as reported by CityXtra, Donnarumma revealed how Mario Balotelli encouraged him to make the switch to the Etihad. The two Italians, who have shared dressing rooms for the national team, discussed what life was like at the club long before the move became official.
“I know Mario [Balotelli] from the national team, and he advised me to join City, saying it was an incredible club,” Donnarumma said.
“All the players I spoke to who have played for City advised me to come here because they all had positive experiences.
“Their thoughts and words made it even easier to choose Man City, and I’m really happy for my family as well, and I hope I can stay for many years and make more history for this club.”
Balotelli, who famously helped Manchester City clinch their first Premier League title in 2012, appears to have played a mentor-like role in Donnarumma’s decision.
His recommendation carried extra weight, given his understanding of the culture and expectations surrounding the club.
The Italian keeper also admitted that the warmth he felt from the Manchester City community made his transition smoother.
For Donnarumma, the move was not only a professional step forward but a family one, too — a chance to settle in a city that “lives and breathes football.”
Those familiar with Donnarumma’s journey will recall his meteoric rise at AC Milan, where he debuted as a teenager before his eventual move to Paris Saint-Germain.
His summer switch to City marks another major chapter — one where he hopes to challenge himself in England’s high-intensity football environment.
Mancini’s guidance and Italian connection
While Balotelli’s encouragement played a big part, Donnarumma also revealed that he sought advice from another familiar figure — former City and Italy manager Roberto Mancini.
The goalkeeper spoke glowingly about Mancini’s guidance and the sense of pride he feels in following a path first laid down by the ex-City boss.
“I know Roberto Mancini very well and have a great relationship with him from the Italian national team,” Donnarumma said.
“I spoke to him before I came here, and he gave a lot of advice and information about Manchester and the club, he was very happy about my move.”
The Italian tactician, who guided City to their first major trophies in the modern era, remains an iconic figure in the club’s history. Under his tenure, City lifted the FA Cup in 2011 and the Premier League the following year — achievements that began the club’s current era of dominance.
“As an Italian, I’m happy it was Mancini who started Man City’s winning streak for silverware with the FA Cup and Premier League, and I want to carry on that success. I’m determined to help make more history here,” Donnarumma added.
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His words reflect not only personal ambition but also a sense of national pride — continuing the Italian legacy that helped shape City’s modern identity.
Since arriving in Manchester, the towering goalkeeper has already begun to adapt to Pep Guardiola’s demanding system, which requires composure and precision in ball distribution.
Though he was on the bench during the club’s Carabao Cup win over Swansea City, Donnarumma is expected to return to the starting XI when City host Bournemouth at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
