Donnarumma reveals what exactly led to Milan departure
Martin Macdonald
- 9 Feb 2022 03:59 CST
- 5 min read
Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed details of the phone call which eventually led to his Milan departure in the summer.
The Italian had been with Milan as a youngster and progressed through the ranks to eventually become number one goalkeeper at San Siro despite his very young age of 17/18.
His performances soon earned him recognition as one of the best goalkeepers in the world, but in the background there were concerns over his future at the club.
Donnarumma had a contract that was running down to end in the summer of 2022, and negotiations eventually broke down when he and his agent Mino Raiola's demands became clear.
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He eventually left on a free transfer in rather sour circumstances, but he claims his departure was only confirmed when Milan informed him that they had already signed a replacement, Mike Maignan.
“I can only thank the club for what they did for me. I improved as a man and as a footballer in Milan,” Donnarumma told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“Everyone is blaming me, without thinking what happened on the other side. The last call from Milan was to tell me that they had signed another goalkeeper. That is how it ended.
“I think PSG was in my destiny.
“They had been following me for many years and have always made sure I knew their interest. Everyone at the club makes me feel important, from President Al-Khelaifi to director Leonardo. I am happy and proud to be here.”
The goalkeeper situation at PSG
Donnarumma's transfer to PSG has not been a massive success as of yet as he has had to largely play second fiddle to Keylor Navas.
He previously described the situation as "disturbing", but he has apparently softened his stance now, saying he is content to fight for his place.
“I knew that this was the situation when I signed with PSG,” the Italian admitted..
“I don’t know know what he [Keylor] thinks, but I am ok with it because everyone here always makes me feel important.
"It’s not true that we are not on good terms, there is an excellent rapport between us, he is a good guy and there are no problems.”
In the 2021/22 campaign, Donnarumma has started 15 games in all competitions.
