Goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, one of the heroes of PSG winning the Champions League for the first time in their history, was a goalkeeper. Despite this, there were rumors of his leaving the club for a few days. In the meantime, coach Luis Enrique has hired a new goalkeeper. The distance between Donnarumma and him became even clearer with the announcement of his exclusion from the squad. Then the Italian goalkeeper announced his disappointed and heartbroken decision.
In a message on his Instagram account, Donnarumma said, “From the first day I set foot here, I have given my all on and off the field – to keep my goal and Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) alive. Unfortunately, someone has decided that they no longer want me to be part of this team or its success. For which I am very disappointed and heartbroken.”
It is not clear who the 26-year-old Italian goalkeeper is talking about. Champions League winners PSG will face Europa League champions Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup tonight (Wednesday). After Donnarumma was dropped from the squad for the match, PSG coach Luis Enrique said, “Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, without a doubt, and a good person. But this is the life of a high-level footballer. I am 100% responsible for this difficult decision. I had to make such a decision to fill the need for a goalkeeper for my team.”
Meanwhile, PSG signed goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from another French club Lille on Saturday. His total value, including bonuses and other things, is estimated at $64 million. ESPN has even confirmed that Enrique bought him as the main goalkeeper. At the same time, PSG was not interested in keeping two top goalkeepers including Donnarumma in the team. According to information, since then, clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United and Inter Milan have started contacting Donnarumma’s agent Enzo Raiola.
In announcing his departure from PSG, Donnarumma wrote, “I hope I will have the opportunity to take to the field to say goodbye to the fans at Parc des Princes (PSG’s home ground) one more time. If that is not possible, I want to let you know how much your support means to me and that I will never forget it. All your emotions, which have given me so many magical nights and made this place feel like home to me. My teammates – the second family, with whom I have shared fights, laughter and many moments together – will always be brothers.”
ESPN says that Donnarumma was hoping for a new contract with PSG even though he had one more year left on his contract. But both sides could not agree on that. He already has one of the highest salaries at PSG (850,000 euros per month), and this time he wanted to increase it even more. But the French giants did not agree to that. At the same time, coach Enrique wanted a goalkeeper who was equally good at passing the ball with his feet. And that is what he sees in the new goalkeeper Lucas!
FAQ
Why was Gianluigi Donnarumma dropped from the PSG squad for the UEFA Super Cup?
PSG coach Luis Enrique made a tactical decision to drop Donnarumma in order to select a goalkeeper who better fits his playing style, particularly someone strong with ball distribution.
Did Luis Enrique comment on his decision publicly?
Yes, Luis Enrique took full responsibility for the decision and emphasized it was made for the team’s benefit, despite acknowledging Donnarumma as one of the world’s best goalkeepers.
How did Donnarumma react to being dropped?
Donnarumma expressed disappointment and heartbreak in an Instagram message, stating he had given his all for PSG but felt unwanted by the club.
Has PSG signed another goalkeeper recently?
Yes, PSG signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille, a goalkeeper favored by Enrique for his skills, including proficiency with the ball at his feet.
What’s next for Donnarumma?
With his contract discussions stalled and interest from major clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United, and Inter Milan, Donnarumma’s future looks set for a move away from PSG.
