Enzo Raiola has revealed that his client Gianluigi Donnarumma has been given reassurances by Manchester City that the fallout from their guilty verdict will not affect the goalkeeper's future at the club.
Gianluigi Donnarumma enjoyed an impressive debut campaign at the Etihad Stadium.More Videos
Among the hundreds of questions swirling around Manchester City since the Premier League announced an earth-shattering guilty verdict last week, many have concerned the futures of the stars who fill Enzo Maresca’s squad.
Expecting the club’s elite performers to sit tight through such uncertainty is a big ask, especially those in or approaching their prime years.
There can be no doubt that conversations between senior staff, players and agents will be taking place behind the scenes, but the details of those talks mostly remain private. In the case of the club’s first-choice goalkeeper, though, the message from his camp could not be clearer.
A statement issued by Manchester City has confirmed the club's 'comprehensive' appeal against the Premier League's 'opinion' and verdict issued earlier this week.cityxtra.co.ukMan City Confirm Comprehensive Appeal Against Premier League Opinion and Verdict
A statement issued by Manchester City has confirmed the club's 'comprehensive' appeal against the Premier League's 'opinion' and verdict issued earlier this week.
Nothing will change for Gigio, says Raiola on impact of guilty verdict on Man City goalkeeper's future
Speaking to Radio Napoli Centrale, in quotes carried by Calciomercato.com and relayed by Football Italia, Enzo Raiola, cousin of the late super-agent Mino, insisted the saga would have no impact on his client.
“Will the Manchester City chaos change anything? No, nothing will change for us or for Gigio,” Raiola said, using Donnarumma’s nickname. “News comes out periodically. The club has spoken with Gigio and everyone is calm.
“Now there are important games against Liverpool and PSG, then sporting justice will take its course. But Gigio has had reassurances from Manchester City.”
The wider context of Raiola's comments for Man City
The agent’s words will come as welcome news for supporters. Donnarumma is among the finest goalkeepers on the planet, and the suggestion that he is settled and unmoved by the surrounding noise is precisely what Manchester City would want to hear with so much still up in the air.
The timing is also fitting given that, within the last week, reports have linked Donnarumma with interest from the likes of Real Madrid and Galatasaray in the event City were forced into sales, which makes the fresh clarity over his future all the more valuable.
Since arriving from PSG, the Italy international has shown Premier League fans why he is considered one of the most commanding goalkeepers in world football. Despite some disagreement among fans who felt James Trafford’s playing style would be a better fit, Donnarumma is now clearly established as a cornerstone of Maresca’s team.
What lies ahead for Donnarumma and Man City?
This doesn’t immediately make the reality of City’s situation any less grave. An independent commission found the Blues guilty of serious breaches of the Premier League’s financial regulations across nine seasons; the club deny any wrongdoing and have launched an appeal, with potential sanctions still unknown.
Attention soon returns to the pitch: a daunting trip to Liverpool on Sunday will be followed closely by a Champions League meeting with PSG, Donnarumma’s former club.
The Italian is almost certain to be called upon plenty of times across those two fixtures and will need to be on top form to continue the club’s winning starts in both competitions. Amid a storm that has unsettled so much around the club, a steady figure between the sticks is going to be even more important than usual.