Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has confirmed he is leaving the club, just hours after being omitted from the squad for Wednesday’s UEFA Super Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur.
Earlier on Tuesday, PSG named new signing Lucas Chevalier, along with backup keepers Matvei Safonov and Renato Marin, in the squad for the match. Chevalier’s €40 million move from Lille was widely seen as the trigger for Donnarumma’s exit, with the 26-year-old Italy international unlikely to accept a backup role under coach Luis Enrique.
In a multilingual Instagram post, Donnarumma revealed his disappointment at being pushed out.“Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team’s success,” he wrote. “I am disappointed and disheartened.”
He also addressed the fans directly:
“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. I will always carry with me the memory of all the emotions, the magical nights and of you, who made me feel at home.”
Luis Enrique praised Donnarumma but defended the decision to recruit Chevalier.
“These are always difficult decisions to make, I know. I can only say good things about Gigio. He’s one of the best players in his position, without a doubt, and he’s even better as a person,” the coach said. “We were looking for a different type of goalkeeper. And I repeat, it’s always difficult to make a decision like that.”
Reports suggest Chevalier’s ability to build play from the back — an area where Donnarumma has often been criticized — was decisive in the choice.
Donnarumma departs as one of the standout performers of last season, having been instrumental in PSG’s Champions League triumph with crucial saves in the knockout stages. He also remains celebrated for helping Italy win Euro 2021.
With just one year left on his contract and no agreement on an extension, PSG risked losing him for free next summer. He has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester City, while Manchester United are also reportedly interested.
PSG captain Marquinhos admitted the potential loss would be difficult to accept:
“If he has to go, then we thank him from the bottom of our hearts. He has been a great leader all these years. Seeing Donnarumma leave would upset me.”
PSG opens its Ligue 1 campaign away to Nantes on August 17.
