Gianluigi Donnarumma Departs PSG Amid Goalkeeper Shakeup

Paris, Aug 13 (AP) – Gianluigi Donnarumma, the star goalkeeper for Paris Saint-Germain, announced his departure from the club just hours after being omitted from the squad for the UEFA Super Cup final against Tottenham on Wednesday. The squad list revealed earlier on Tuesday included newly signed goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille, on a deal worth over 40 million euros ($46 million), and backups Matvei Safonov and Renato Marin were also named.

Chevalier’s inclusion was widely interpreted as signaling Donnarumma's imminent exit, with the 26-year-old Italian international unwilling to settle for a secondary role should coach Luis Enrique choose Chevalier as his first choice. Donnarumma expressed his departure through a message on Instagram, shared in Italian, English, and French, indicating he felt forced 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 expressed his desire to bid farewell to the fans ahead of the upcoming season.

“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,” Donnarumma said. “I will always carry with me the memory of all the emotions, the magical nights, and of you, who made me feel at home.”

Though Donnarumma didn’t name anyone specifically, PSG coach Luis Enrique addressed the decision to sign Chevalier during a pre-match press conference.

“These are always difficult decisions to make, I know. I can only say good things about Gigio (Gianluigi). He's one of the best in his position, without a doubt, and he's even better as a person,” Luis Enrique stated. “We were looking for a different type of goalkeeper. And I repeat, it's always difficult to make a decision like that.” Chevalier’s perceived superiority in distribution from the back, a noted weakness of Donnarumma, was reportedly a crucial factor in Enrique’s decision.

Despite this, Donnarumma was arguably Europe’s best goalkeeper last season, being instrumental in PSG’s Champions League triumph with his remarkable shot-stopping performances in the knockout stages. He also played a crucial role for Italy, leading them to victory in the European Championship in 2021.

Donnarumma, with one year remaining on his contract, had refused to renew, making it unlikely for PSG to allow his departure on a free transfer at season’s end. He has been linked to a move to Premier League powerhouse Manchester City, and Manchester United is also reportedly monitoring the situation.

PSG faced a similar dilemma two seasons ago with Kylian Mbappé, who eventually joined Real Madrid on a free transfer after refusing a one-year extension.

Donnarumma’s prior arrival at PSG saw him take over from Keylor Navas following Italy’s Euro triumph—a decision initially deemed harsh on Navas, who was exceptional for PSG the season prior. Now, the situation mirrors Donnarumma’s earlier position, as he finds himself in the shoes of Navas.

“If he has to go, then we thank him from the bottom of our hearts,” said PSG captain Marquinhos. “He has been a great leader all these years. Seeing Donnarumma leave would upset me.” PSG is set to kick off its league campaign against Nantes on August 17. (AP)

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