Gianluigi Donnarumma makes telling transfer admission after 'criminal' Man Utd claim

Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed that Manchester Citywas his "only option" despite summer interest from Manchester United. The Italian shot-stopper made the move to the Etihad Stadium from Paris Saint-Germain late in the transfer window.

City shelled out approximately £26m to secureDonnarumma's signature, who was brought in as a replacement forEderson – with the Brazilian heading off to Turkish side Fenerbahce. City's rivals United were also rumoured to be interested in Donnarumma as they looked for an upgrade for Andre Onana, who eventually also ended up in Turkey.

However, speaking about his move to the Premier League, Donnarumma suggests that he only wanted to make a switch to the Etihad. Speaking ahead of City's Champions League match against Napoli, he said: "I was very clear, my desire was to come here.

"That was my only option, the only thing I wanted. My only choice was to come here... so I am happy to be here at City and be part of this fantastic team.

"Before the summer I knew that City were very interested in me, the relationship strengthened after the Club World Cup.

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"I knew the coach was pushing for my arrival here, everyone wanted me here, it gave me such pride to see such a demonstration of affection. I didn't hesitate to come here with great joy and enthusiasm."

Donnarumma, 26, joined City following a highly successful stint with French giants PSG. After transferring from Italian side AC Milan, he went on to clinch four Ligue 1 titles and helped the club to secure their first-ever Champions League title.

Manchester United legendPaul Scholes has criticised the club's decision not to sign Donnarumma, branding it a "criminal offence". Speaking to the BBC, Scholes said: "I don't think the quality is there [in the side].

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"Goalkeeper was a major issue. Did they really need to get to the Grimsby game to realise [André] Onana is not good enough?".

"If Manchester United were not in the market for Gianluigi Donnarumma when he became available, that is [a] criminal offence. The recruitment side went to buy forwards. That did need addressing, but did it need three of them? I'm not sure it did."

Donnarumma, who has already made a positive start at Manchester United with a clean sheet in his debut 3-0 win against United, is looking forward to facing Napoli, a team he admits to having a soft spot for.

He added: "I am very tied to Napoli. I have so many friends and my family who live there.

"I am very excited about Thursday's match. I would be a bit more excited if it were in Napoli. My mum is having a few issues but I am hoping she is going to be on my side."

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