Disappointed and disheartened: Gianluigi Donnarumma announces PSG exit
The 26-year-old goalkeeper helped PSG clinch the UCL title, but is set to make a switch after head coach Luis Enrique decided to sign a new goalkeeper.
New Delhi: Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has confirmed that he is set to leave the club after being excluded from the squad for the UEFA Super Cup against Tottenham Hotspur.
The 26-year-old played a crucial role in helping the French capital side to assert their dominance in European and domestic competitions, but is set to leave the club after head coach Luis Enrique decided to look for a new goalkeeper.
PSG have announced the signing of goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille on Saturday, August 10. The deal was worth €40 million plus an additional €15 million in potential bonuses. According to multiple media reports, Chevalier was signed as the club's new No. 1 goalkeeper.
According to reports, PSG do not want to keep Donnarumma in the squad and have two top keepers for this season. The French club is expecting an offer from Chelsea, Manchester United or Inter Milan. He wanted to extend his contract in the French capital with only one year left on his current deal, but the two parties never reached to an agreement.
He played an important role for PSG last season, with crucial saves in big games against Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal and helped the club to win its first Champions League title. However, head coach Luis Enrique wanted a keeper with better distribution and who is more comfortable with the ball at his feet, which they signed.
'Someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group'
Donnarumma announced his exit from PSG in an Instagram post and wrote that from the first day he arrived, he gave everything on and off the pitch to earn his place and defend the goal of Paris Saint-Germain.
"Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team’s success. I am disappointed and disheartened. I hope to have the opportunity to look the fans at the Parc des Princes in the eyes one more time and say goodbye as it should be done. If that doesn’t happen, I want you to know that your support and affection mean the world to me, and I will never forget it," he added.
The 26-year-old further said that he will always carry all the memories of all the emotions, the magical nights, and the fans who made him feel at home.
"To my team-mates -- my second family - thank you for every battle, every laugh, every moment we shared. You will always be my brothers. Playing for this club and living in this city has been an immense honour. Thank you, Paris," he concluded.