Donnarumma: Haaland pushed hard for me to join Man City

Gianluigi Donnarumma revealed that Erling Haaland "pushed hard" for him to join Manchester City during the summer transfer window.

The Italian, who helped Paris Saint-Germain win their maiden Champions League title last term, was replaced by Luis Enrique, as the head coach wanted a different style of goalkeeper.

And despite City also signing James Trafford from Burnley in the summer, Donnarumma completed his move to the Etihad Stadium on deadline day.

The 26-year-old has kept four clean sheets in eight Premier League appearances this season while also recording a save percentage of 77.8%, a figure only bettered by Sunderland's Robin Roefs in the English top-flight (79.2%).

Donnarumma told Sky Sports that he was grateful for the role that Haaland played in his move to Manchester, as well as their friendship in general.

"He's a fantastic guy, so calm, and he loves his family and being with them," said Donnarumma.

"We hit it off. There's that synergy there, where there's just a natural feeling. Even when we played against each other, we were in touch and after the games we even spoke often.

"Then I had the opportunity to come here, he wrote to me. He pushed hard for me to come, and I thank him so much for that.

"He's truly a great friend – and it's a good thing I play with him because it's so difficult to be against him! He's an alien!"

City are just four points behind league leaders Arsenal, and they face a tough test against Newcastle United at St. James Park in their next fixture.

Donnarumma credited his team-mates for helping him settle into life in the Premier League as they look to regain the title.

"I didn't expect to have such a positive impact on the Premier League. But the team helped me a lot because the moment I arrived, they welcome me very well," added Donnarumma.

"They helped me a lot in the first games, especially the first one, which was just three days in. In the first training session, it felt like I had been there for two years.

"The league is very different; there's a lot of running, a lot of intensity, so I had to adapt immediately. But the team has been fundamental for me in these first few months."