Gianluigi Donnarumma struggled to hold back the tears as he waved goodbye to the PSG on Friday evening after announcing he was leaving the club
16:02, 23 Aug 2025Updated 16:02, 23 Aug 2025
Gianluigi Donnarumma
An emotional Gianluigi Donnarumma waved goodbye(Image: PSG via Getty Images)
Gianluigi Donnarumma struggled to hold back the tears as he waved goodbye to the PSG fans.
The Parisian giants kicked off the defence of their Ligue 1 crown on Friday evening as they welcomed Angers to the Parc des Princes. And after the final whistle Donnarumma, who was not in the matchday squad, was allowed to say goodbye to the fans.
Dressed in jeans and a hoodie, the Italian shot stopper was seen chatting with Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos and Fabian Ruiz. Hakimi and Ruiz then pushed Donnarumma forward, leaving him alone inside the penalty area in front of the PSG ultras.
He stood there for more than 30 seconds, clapping and waving as the fans responded in kind.
Donnarumma was then joined by team-mates, who also showered him in affection. The Italian headed towards the fans, climbed over the advertising boards as he continued to applauded the fans.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Gianluigi Donnarumma struggled to hold back the tears(Image: PSG via Getty Images)
He announced he was leaving PSG earlier this summer in an emotional statement: "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.
"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.
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"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.
"To my teammates – my second family – thank you for every battle, every laugh, every moment we shared. You will always be my brothers. Playing for this club and living in this city has been an immense honour. Thank you, Paris."
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Donnarumma has been linked to Manchester United, but they now appear to be closing in on Senne Lammens.
While local rivals Manchester City are also said to be interested in his signature, with Pep Guardiola holding his cards close to his chest ahead of the weekend: "We'll talk with [goalkeeping coach] Xabi [Mancisidor] and we'll see. New players always bring energy."