Gianluigi Donnarumma has fueled talk of a rift with Luis Enrique by telling Paris Saint-Germain fans that "someone has decided" he's no longer wanted at the club.
The Italian goalkeeper was a key man in the Parisians' Champions League triumph last season, particularly impressing against Arsenal, Liverpool and Aston Villa in the knockout rounds. But his future was uncertain, as his contract was set to expire in the summer of 2026.
Enrique has omitted Donnarumma from his squad for PSG's UEFA Super Cup final against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday (August 13). This has pushed the Italy international towards the Parc des Princes exit door, and a Premier League switch to Manchester United or Manchester City could be on the horizon.
PSG's Donnarumma 'Disheartened' After Enrique Snub
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Donnarumma has been with the French capital club since July 2021 after arriving as a free agent when his AC Milan contract expired. He displaced Keylor Navas as the Ligue 1 giants' number one, a role he's held up until this summer.
Enrique has already moved on from the Italian and swooped for Lucas Chevalier, who has joined the reigning European champions from Lille in a €40m (£34.6m) deal. The Frenchman is now first-choice between the sticks, and Donnarumma will sit out his side's meeting with Spurs at Bluenergy Stadium in his homeland.
Donnarumma has taken to social media to express his disappointment with how the situation has panned out. He made clear in his statement that he is leaving the club:
"To the special Paris fans, From the first day I arrived, I gave everything — on and off the pitch — to earn my 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."
Manchester United, who have been linked, took a similar approach when replacing David de Gea with Andre Onana in the summer of 2023. They allowed their Spaniard's deal to expire without giving him a proper send off until this past weekend when he played for Fiorentina at Old Trafford.
Donnarumma hopes he can bid farewell to PSG's fans:
"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. I will always carry with me the memory of all the emotions, the magical nights, and of you, who made me feel at home."
Donnarumma was one of several standout performers under Enrique last season and he saluted his teammates but chose not to acknowledge his Spanish manager:
"To my teammates — my second family — thank you for every battle, every laugh, every moment we shared. You will always be my brothers.
Donnarumma was named as an outsider by Gary Lineker for the Ballon d'Or award amid his exploits this past season, but Enrique doesn't seem to be a fan. The Spanish tactician explained his decision ahead of the Super Cup against Spurs:
"Donnarumma is out of the squad as it’s my own decision. I am 100 per cent responsible. I want a different kind of goalkeeper and I made this decision. Gigio is one of the best GKs in the whole world."
He added:
"The life of a top-level footballer, and the same goes for us coaches, is this: it wasn’t an easy decision but I take full responsibility for it. On the other hand, if these choices were easy, anyone could make them."
Donnrumma has made 161 appearances for PSG, keeping 88 clean sheets and has won four Ligue 1 titles and the Champions League. He made several vital saves during the European triumph, including heroics against Liverpool in a last-16 penalty shootout.
Is Donnarumma Premier League Bound? Man Utd Are Keen
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim
Donnarumma's statement has indicated that he has accepted he needs to leave the French capital to continue serving as a number one at club level. Fabrizio Romano has claimed that the Premier League is the most likely destination for Italy's UEFA Euro 2020-winning shot-stopper.
Ruben Amorim's Manchester United have been linked for several weeks amid question marks over Onana's future. GIVEMESPORT sources have learned that the Red Devils are considering offering to take him on loan as they won't sanction a permanent deal until Onana is offloaded.
Donnarumma could also join their rivals Manchester City despite Pep Guardiola bringing James Trafford back to the Etihad. There are suggestions in the French media that the Cityzens could swoop for the former Milan goalkeeper if Ederson leaves.