DONNARUMMA: MARESCA HAS PUT GREAT FAITH IN ME
Maresca, 46, signed a three-year deal that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2029, after abruptly leaving Chelsea in December 2025.
Photo: Courtesy.
By Robert Mutasi
Gianluigi Donnarumma has hailed new Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca for creating a “wonderful atmosphere” at the Etihad and for showing great faith in him since his arrival.
The Italy No.1, who joined City from Paris Saint-Germain on deadline day, revealed that Maresca has included him in the club’s leadership group for the new era.
“Enzo Maresca has great faith in me, chose me as one of the captains, and it’s a HUGE HONOR to represent this shirt with that responsibility,” Donnarumma said.
“He pays great attention to detail, helps you a lot. He’s created a wonderful atmosphere.”
The comments come just months after a major changing of the guard at City.
Manchester City unveiled Italian Enzo Maresca as their new manager on June 29, taking over from Pep Guardiola, after the club confirmed he had been appointed to replace the departing coach.
Maresca, 46, signed a three-year deal that will keep him at the Etihad Stadium until the summer of 2029, after abruptly leaving Chelsea in December 2025.
For Maresca, the appointment marks a return to a club he knows well, having previously served as reserve-team coach and as Guardiola’s assistant during the treble-winning 2022-23 season.
His first weeks in charge have brought an immediate impact. City opened the season with three wins from three heading into the Manchester derby, with the new boss insisting he was not the main focus despite the spotlight.
Donnarumma’s arrival was seen as a statement signing for the Maresca era. The 26-year-old, listed as Gianluigi Donnarumma (captain) at Manchester City in the Italy national team squad, said City were his only option this summer following his departure from PSG.
The goalkeeper’s inclusion in the captaincy group is viewed as a sign of Maresca’s intent to blend experience with a fresh leadership structure as City begin life after Guardiola.
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