Why Donnarumma chose to wear no.25 at Manchester City – Football Italia

Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma has explained that there are three reasons why he has opted to wear the no.25 shirt during his first season at Manchester City. 

The Italy national team captain joined Man City in a €27m deal from Paris Saint-Germain at the end of the summer transfer window. He had been into the final year of his contract with PSG, but failed to agree an extension, which led the French side to the signing of Lucas Chevalier instead. 

Since signing for City, Donnarumma has largely been engaged in national team commitments, playing the full 90 minutes in 5-0 and 5-4 wins over Estonia and Israel respectively. 

He travelled over to Manchester on Tuesday, and has since taken part in his first training sessions and media duties with his new club. 

Why Donnarumma chose no.25 at Man City

In a video recently released by Man City, Donnarumma explained why he has decided to wear the no.25 shirt this season, a number that he has not previously worn. 

The no.25 shirt has recently been vacated by new Inter signing Manuel Akanji, and has also been worn by former England international goalkeeper Joe Hart and former club captain Fernandinho in recent years. 

Those players did not have an impact on Donnarumma’s decision to wear the no.25, though. 

As he explained: “25 is the number (date) of my first match in Serie A, 25th October, my first professional match. And, it’s my birthday, and the birthday of Alessia, my girlfriend.”