This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Gianluigi Donnarumma, now goalkeeper for Manchester City, reminisced about the time he shared the locker room at PSG with Lionel Messi, showering praise on the Argentine star, not only as a player but also as a person. In an interview with his new club's official channels, the 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper spoke about his time in Paris, where he won several titles, including a Champions League. It was during this period that he interacted with the Argentine. "It was fantastic. He is one of the best in the history of football. What surprised me was how incredible he is, beyond being a footballer, as a person. He is the best of all, a fantastic person, a great man. Playing with him was very important, something I will keep among the best memories of my life," said the former Milan player. The Italian international was one of the key figures in the last summer transfer market: after a deadlock in contract renewal with PSG, coach Luis Enrique opted to look for a goalkeeper with "different characteristics," which led to his transfer to Pep Guardiola's Manchester City for 30 million euros. This move ended a four-season connection with the Parisian club, which he joined in 2021 on a free transfer from Milan. At the Etihad, Donnarumma took on the undisputed starting role, having conceded 27 goals and kept a clean sheet 13 times in 30 matches across all competitions. His arrival in Manchester coincided with Ederson's departure to Galatasaray. Interestingly, Donnarumma revealed that he maintains a good relationship with the Brazilian goalkeeper, despite never having been teammates. "I am in contact with him because he wished me the best of luck. I am happy to have received that message because it is important, and it is always nice to receive messages like that. It makes me very, very happy. He was an important goalkeeper for Manchester City," he explained, praising the former Benfica player. "We are completely different. He plays very well with his feet. That was very important for his game. We are often in contact; we have a good relationship. I was very happy that he sent me that message when I arrived here." At the end of the conversation, and in a joking tone, the Italian goalkeeper suggested that he could be useful in other areas of the field: "I can help with corners and set pieces; I can definitely help, and I handle the ball well…"
Benfica Gianluigi Donnarumma remains central to this story.
Benfica Gianluigi Donnarumma remains central to this story.
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