How Gianluigi Donnarumma’s move to PSG shows that loyalty in football is Dead
Paris Saint Germain could soon announce the signing of Gianluigi Donnarumma on a free transfer. According to Sportitalia, Donnarumma’s agent Mino Raiola has already agreed to personal terms with the Ligue 1 side. Donnarumma will reportedly undergo his medical this upcoming Saturday and Sunday at the Italian national team camp.
PSG’s offer to Donnarumma in numbers
Gianluigi Donnarumma had been previously linked with Barcelona and Juventus but things have changed a lot since last week. Both the clubs have decided not to bid after Paris-Saint German’s final proposal in the last days.
Donnarumma’s contract will expire on June 30 with the player refusing to extend further with the Rossoneri. Milan offered a salary of €8M per year but the player rejected the proposal. In 2018 Donnarumma signed a three year deal with a handsome salary of €6M per year. Donnarumma came from the Rosseneri’s youth academy at the age of 16. Since then he has been the go-to man for Milan.
Reports suggest that Psg have offered double the salary Gigio used to receive in Milan. PSG matched Raiola’s demand of €12M for his client. Raiola could receive a commission of €20M euros for completing this deal.
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It was rumoured previously that if Milan secures a Champions league spot, Donnarumma would renew his contract. But it was never about the club. It was about the money PSG offered him.
What Milan’s legends have said about Donnarumma’s move to PSG
“I can’t hide my sorrow,” said Milan’s legendary coach Arrigo Sacchi in an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport a few days ago.
“If he was happy with Milan, the club that made him grow and valued him, then he had to stay.”
“In life, it is important to show gratitude towards those who gave you an important chance and this was an opportunity to demonstrate it. Also, the club had offered him a rich contract. So, I ask myself: why is he leaving? Why force the situation?”
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But Milan’s director and former player Paulo Maldini’s statement contradicts Sacchi’s words.
“He was a protagonist, a leader and often a captain,” said Maldini. “A professional must also be ready to change his shirt. It is increasingly difficult to start a career in one place and finish it there,” he said.
“We must thank those who gave so much for Milan and Gigio did it, without ever disrespecting the club. Our paths divide here, and I can only wish him the best.”
Donnarumma’s move to PSG marks the death of loyalty in modern football. Money is prioritised more than anything now. ‘One club players’ like Paulo Maldini and Fransesco Totti are a thing of the past now and their loyalty is no longer valued. Rosseneri fans badly criticized Raiola. They say that it is Raiola who is controlling Donnarumma. But it is actually the player who wants to leave.
Before Italy’s clash with Germany in Poland, the Rossoneri fans in attendance made a banner which read, “If you have Milan in your heart, leave your agent”.
How have AC Milan fans reacted over the situation
A Gazzetta dello Sport editorial on his Milan exit opened with the caustic line, “Ciao, Gigio, go wherever Mino takes you.”
But Donnarumma has had no problem with his agent lest he should have cut ties with him.
In the past, Donnarumma and his family faced heavy criticism from the fans. He was nicknamed ‘Donnarumma’ and had fake bank notes thrown at him. So there are some solid reasons for Donnarumma to leave San Siro.
Milan CEO Ivan Gazidis told the Gazzetta: “I don’t know the boundaries of the relationship between Gigio and Raiola but, ultimately, of course, the decision is always the player’s… He did what he thought was best for him.”
Before the start of the last season coach Pioli said that he cannot imagine Milan without Donnarumma.
Donnarumma might not be a regular starter for Paris since Keylor Navas has rightfully earned the spot since leaving Real Madrid in 2019. The 35 year old goalkeeper has had rock solid performances in the past. Navas signed a 12 month contract extension with Paris to keep him tied to the club until 2024.
Lille’s goalkeeper Mike Maignan has arrived at La Madonnina for his medicals. He is set to join Milan for €13M euros as a potential replacement for Gianluigi Donnarumma. After having a successful title winning season at Lille it was a much cheaper option for them to sign a new player than renew the contract of the other. That would potentially save €35M euros for the Rossoneri.
