Gianluigi Donnarumma's Man City number has special meaning for Italy star
Gianluigi Donnarumm's Manchester City shirt number has been confirmed after signing on transfer deadline day.
With long-serving goalkeeper Ederson moving to Turkish side Fenerbahce, the Blues brought in a third shot-stopper in the same window when they secured the services of the Paris Saint-Germain and Italy star.
Frozen out by Luis Enrique despite playing a starring role in the club's first ever Champions League triumph, Donnarumma signed for City for a fee of £26 million and has penned a five-year contract at the Etihad Stadium.
The No.1 shirt was already taken by James Trafford after he returned to City for a fee of £27 million after two seasons at Burnley.
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Multiple outlets had reported that Donnarumma would be wearing his favourite shirt number at City.
It was claimed that Donnarumma was to wear the same No.99 shirt which he wore when he burst onto the scene at AC Milan as a 16-year-old.
In Ligue One, he was banned from wearing the number which marks his year of birth because of a rule which typically means only the No.1, No.16 and No.30 are available for goalkeepers and the latter is the highest number a first-team can wear.
An exception meant Lionel Messi was able to wear the No.30 as an outfielder after he ended his legendary association with Barcelona and joined on a free.
Donnarumma also got special dispensation and was allowed to wear the No.50 before eventually getting the sign off to wear the No.99 when shirt number regulations were relaxed by the LFP ahead of the 2022/23 season.
When Keylor Navas left PSG, Donnarumma took the No.1 shirt at the Parc des Princes and wore it in the historic treble-winning last season.
However, City confirmed that Donnarumma had taken the No.25 shirt recently vacated by Manuel Akanji.
The jersey is of significance to the Italian as his birthday is 25 February.
Premier League did force number change in 2017
Though there is no suggestion as it being the reason for Donnarumma's number selection, the Premier League did not allow Renato Sanches to wear No.85 while on loan at Swansea City in the 2017/18 campaign as it was stated that "squad numbers must be consecutive and close to the current highest number".
Instead the Portugal international had to wear the No.35. In the Premier League, James McAtee had worn City's highest ever shirt number, sporting the No.87 before leaving for Nottingham Forest.
“To have signed for Manchester City is such a special and proud moment for me,” Donnarumma told the club's website after signing.
“I am joining a squad packed with world-class talent and a team led by the 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.
“I have admired watching Manchester City for many years - so to now be able to play for the Club is a huge honour and a privilege.
“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 very excited for what lies ahead and can promise that I will give absolutely everything to try and help the Club achieve even more success.”
He could make his debut in the derby against rivals Manchester United at the Etihad Stadium on 14 September.
Topics: Gianluigi Donnarumma, Manchester City, Paris Saint-Germain, Premier League, Italy
Josh Lawless