Gerónimo Rulli Returns to Manchester City as Backup Goalkeeper
Gerónimo Rulli is back at Manchester City. This time, he is here to play a part.
The Argentine goalkeeper has completed a £2 million ($2.7 million) move from Marseille, signing a two-year deal that runs until 2028 and is expected to operate as understudy to first-choice Gianluigi Donnarumma at the Etihad.
For Rulli, 32, the move ticks every box. "This is an amazing opportunity for me - and one I had to grasp," he said after the deal was confirmed. "When the chance to join Manchester City comes along you have to go for it. Everyone knows what an impressive club this is. City's success over a long time has been impressive. Everyone I have spoken to about City said I had to join them because they are a club with incredibly high standards.
"Every professional wants to be in a high-performance environment and I can't wait to get started because I know I will improve and learn, which is always my main priority. My job now is to train hard, get to know the players and staff and do everything I can to reach my best level."
From Europa League hero to City’s No 2
Rulli arrives with a heavyweight résumé for a backup goalkeeper. At Villarreal, he wrote his name into European folklore in the 2021 UEFA Europa League final against Manchester United, scoring in the penalty shootout and then saving the decisive kick to seal the trophy.
He has eight caps for Argentina and was part of the squad that lifted the FIFA World Cup in Qatar in 2022, underlining the pedigree City are adding behind Donnarumma.
This is not his first taste of life at the Etihad. Rulli previously spent the 2016-17 campaign on City’s books but never made a competitive appearance before moving on. The second chapter promises to be very different, with his experience now central to his appeal.
The former Ajax and Villarreal man joins a goalkeeping unit that already includes Donnarumma and Marcus Bettinelli, giving City depth and variety in a key area.
City hail return of a “brilliant professional”
Football Director Hugo Viana made no attempt to hide his delight at bringing Rulli back.
"It's a pleasure to welcome Gerónimo back to the Club. The experience he brings is obvious – he has played at the very highest level for many years.
"I have been really impressed by him during our conversations, a strong desire to join us. It's clear we are getting a brilliant professional, as well as a top 'keeper.
"Everyone at City is looking forward to welcoming him back to the Club. The qualities he will bring are ones we need, and together with Gigio and Marcus [Bettinelli] make a great team. Our goalkeeper coaches are really happy with the group."
City have their World Cup-winning backup in place. Now Rulli’s task is simple and ruthless: push Donnarumma every day, be ready when the call comes, and make this second spell in Manchester the one people remember.
