New Manchester City keeper talks Gaza heartache before match with 'Israel'

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, who recently joined Manchester City, shared his feelings about the war in Gaza during a press conference held ahead of Italy’s World Cup 2026 qualifying matches against Estonia and 'Israel'.

“I’ve recently become a father, and it hurts to see certain images and hear certain news. It’s a situation bigger than us,” Donnarumma said.

“I don’t want to get into it; we want to play football. We want to bring back peace - it hurts to see these situations, but certain political things are bigger than us,” he added.

On his transfer to Manchester City, the 26-year-old expressed his excitement about working with coach Pep Guardiola. “When a club pushes strongly to sign you, it means you’re doing well. To be wanted by one of the strongest managers in the world, like Guardiola, is an exceptional feeling,” he added.

Manchester City announced last Tuesday that it had signed Donnarumma from Paris Saint-Germain on a five-year contract, following the departure of Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson.