Gianluigi Donnarumma revealed that Erling Haaland "pushed hard" for him to join Manchester City during the summer transfer window.

The Italian, who helped Paris Saint-Germain win their maiden Champions League title last term, was replaced by Luis Enrique, as the head coach wanted a different style of goalkeeper.

And despite City also signing James Trafford from Burnley in the summer, Donnarumma completed his move to the Etihad Stadium on deadline day.

The 26-year-old has kept four clean sheets in eight Premier League appearances this season while also recording a save percentage of 77.8%, a figure only bettered by Sunderland's Robin Roefs in the English top-flight (79.2%).

Donnarumma told Sky Sports that he was grateful for the role that Haaland played in his move to Manchester, as well as their friendship in general.

"He's a fantastic guy, so calm, and he loves his family and being with them," said Donnarumma.

"We hit it off. There's that synergy there, where there's just a natural feeling. Even when we played against each other, we were in touch and after the games we even spoke often.

"Then I had the opportunity to come here, he wrote to me. He pushed hard for me to come, and I thank him so much for that.

"He's truly a great friend – and it's a good thing I play with him because it's so difficult to be against him! He's an alien!"

City are just four points behind league leaders Arsenal, and they face a tough test against Newcastle United at St. James Park in their next fixture.

Donnarumma credited his team-mates for helping him settle into life in the Premier League as they look to regain the title.

"I didn't expect to have such a positive impact on the Premier League. But the team helped me a lot because the moment I arrived, they welcome me very well," added Donnarumma.

"They helped me a lot in the first games, especially the first one, which was just three days in. In the first training session, it felt like I had been there for two years.

"The league is very different; there's a lot of running, a lot of intensity, so I had to adapt immediately. But the team has been fundamental for me in these first few months."