After four seasons, ten titles and a Champions League crown, the time of Gianluigi Donnarumma in Paris Saint-Germain is officially over.
The Italian keeper was omitted outside the team for the European Super Cup final against Tottenham on Wednesday, and shortly thereafter he placed an emotional farewell on social media, which confirmed his departure from the club.
Donnarummas Open letter to PSG fans
“To the special fans of Paris, from the very first day I arrived, I gave everything – up and out of the field – to earn my place and to defend the goal of PSG,” wrote Donnarumma. “Unfortunately, someone decided that I could no longer be part of the group or contribute to the success of the team. I am disappointed and discouraged.”
He went on to express his desire to say goodbye to the fans of Parc des Princes, and added: “If that doesn't happen, please know that you meant support and love the world for me – and I will never forget it.”
He closed his message with sincere thanks to his teammates: “I will always bear the memories of those magical nights and of you, who felt me at home. For my teammates – my second family – thank you for every struggle, every moment shared. You will always be my brothers. Playing for this club and life in this city is an immense honor.”
Luis Enrique takes full responsibility
Only a few minutes before the post of Donnarumma, head coach Luis Enrique confirmed that the decision to leave him out of the Super Cup team all his was: “Gigio is an exceptional keeper and an even better person. But in my PSG I need a keeper with different qualities. That's why we signed Chevalier. This was 100% my decision.”
PSG recently signed the 23-year-old Lucas Chevalier from Lille in a deal with a value of a maximum of $ 60 million including bonuses. The movement meant a clear shift in the direction and ended effectively negotiations to renew the Donnarummma contract, which runs until June 2026.
The agent of Donnarummma, Enzo Raiola, did not stop his criticism of PSG: “We are shocked. The club did not show any respect after four years,” Raiola told Sky Sports. “Gigio was even willing to make a wage reduction, but PSG continued to change the conditions. Now we are exploring options – perhaps in the Premier League, where clubs can meet the requirements of PSG. They are talking about respect, but it's all about money”.
Where the next for Donnarumma?
Because PSG reportedly asks € 50 million for the keeper, Raiola hinted that English clubs – possibly in Manchester City – could be the most realistic landing site.
Pick up your game! Whether you have from NFL-Touchdowns, NBA-Zoemer-Beaters, football goals from World Class or MLB home runs, our app has it all.