Gianluigi Donnarumma: Manchester City confirm keeper's squad number after £26m move | OneFootball

The Italian chose a number he has never worn before

Gianluigi Donnarumma has chosen an unusual shirt number after completing a Deadline Day transfer from Paris Saint-Germain to Manchester City.

A deal sheet was required to allow City and PSG to complete their agreement, which was announced on Tuesday.

He agreed a five-year contract on arrival at the Etihad, with the option for a further year.

His arrival will bring a sense of foreboding for James Trafford, who re-signed with his childhood club earlier in the window after a spell with Burnley.

There was some doubt as to what shirt number Donnarumma would choose after signing.

He took on the No50 shirt on arrival at PSG, before flitting between the No16, No1, and No99 shirts in subsequent seasons.

But he has broken from tradition with his City selection, picking a number he has never worn before.

Donnarumma will don the No25 shirt when he makes his debut at the Etihad, which he could do in a Manchester derby following the international break.

The No25 shirt had previously belonged to Manuel Akanji, who only vacated it on Deadline Day as he agreed a late loan move to Inter Milan as a replacement for Benjamin Pavard, who moved to Marseille on loan.

Donnarumma is already relishing the prospect of walking out at the Etihad.

Speaking after signing, he said: “I cannot wait to meet my new teammates, the staff and the fans. Playing at the Etihad Stadium will be very, very special for me.

“I am joining a squad packed with world-class talent and a team led by one of the greatest managers in the history of football in Pep Guardiola. This is a club every player in world football would love to join.”