2026-03-11 11:30:05
Gianluigi Donnarumma considers Manchester City as contenders to win the Champions League.
City travel to Real Madrid for the first leg of their blockbuster last 16 tie on Wednesday (11.03.26) and believes that the team are capable of lifting Europe’s top trophy.
Donnarumma – who joined City last summer after winning the Champions League with PSG – told reporters: “I think there are some teams that can make it to the final. There are many strong teams, tough teams. If we speak about last season, before the last 16 no one thought PSG could be strong candidates to win but things can change.
“It depends on timing. Right now we are about to play games where you are in or out. Every single detail could make the difference.
“Details are everything. Many teams are candidates. We try to make it until the end but there are very strong teams who will do the same.”
Donnarumma thinks it is an “advantage” for City that Real will be missing key forward Kylian Mbappe for the game through injury.
The goalkeeper, who played with Mbappe at PSG, said: “I’ve been lucky enough to play with Kylian and he’s one of the most amazing players in the world. He’s a great talent and as a great keeper not facing these players can be an advantage.
“I have less work to do, but the players that will replace him are champions. We are playing against Real Madrid, a team that is made up of champions so we will have to pay the same attention.
“I’m a great friend of his and I hope he can come back soon and be ready for the second leg because he deserves it.”
Visit Bang Premier (main website)
