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Gallery: Gianluigi Donnarumma in training with Manchester City teammates for the first time
Manchester City’s new goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has trained with his teammates for the very first time, preparing for Sunday’s Manchester derby.
The Italy international, who completed his move from PSG on deadline day in a deal worth £26 million, has now linked up with Pep Guardiola’s squad following the international break and his commitments in FIFA World Cup qualification attempts.
Donnarumma was officially unveiled at the City Football Academy through a club interview and media duties on Thursday evening, and wasted no time in stepping out onto the training pitches for his first session.
Manchester City have brought in Donnarumma as part of a wider revamp of their goalkeeping department over the summer weeks. Despite attracting interest from Turkey, Stefan Ortega has remained at the club, while James Trafford returned to the Etihad Stadium from Burnley.
The 26-year-old’s arrival is expected to add elite quality, UEFA Champions League-winning experience, and long-term security to a crucial position in Pep Guardiola’s set-up, despite his stylistic differences in comparison to the recently-departed Ederson.
Training images released on Thursday show Donnarumma working closely with Manchester City’s complete goalkeeper union, whilst also appearing to be a popular figure among coaching staff, particularly assistant coach Kolo Toure.
With Manchester United set to arrive at the Etihad Stadium this weekend, Donnarumma’s inclusion in the training group comes at a crucial moment, with Guardiola expected to be asked whether the former AC Milan man will be handed his debut on Sunday.
Nevertheless, Donnarumma’s availability provides Manchester City with a significant boost heading into one of the most high-profile fixtures of the Premier League calendar. Beyond the derby, Donnarumma’s development within the squad will be closely monitored by all eager to see how he adapts to English football.
Fans can view a full image gallery of Gianluigi Donnarumma’s debut Manchester City training session alongside James Trafford, Stefan Ortega, and Marcus Bettinelli below.
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