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Paris St Germain’s Gianluigi Donnarumma looks dejected at half time.
Gianluigi Donnarumma confirmed his imminent departure from Paris St Germain after he was effectively axed from the squad by manager Luis Enrique, who left the Italian keeper out of the Super Cup line-up.
Donnarumma played an instrumental role in PSG’s treble-winning campaign last season, helping them to finally win the Champions League for the first time.
However, the 26-year-old, who joined the club in 2021, has now been left out in the cold.
PSG signed French keeper Lucas Chevalier on Saturday, fuelling speculation about Donnarumma’s future, and with one year left on his contract, the Italian is now set to move on.
“Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team’s success,” Donnarumma posted on social media on Tuesday.
“I am disappointed and disheartened.”
The keeper’s omission from the PSG squad to face Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday was the main focus of the manager’s press conference.
“These are always hard decisions to make. I can only say good things about Gianluigi Donnarumma,” Luis Enrique told reporters.
“He is one of the best players in his position, without any doubt. He is even better as a person, but we were looking for a different profile of keeper.
“Bearing in mind the level of Gianluigi Donnarumma and everything he has given to the club, of course we understand the situation but my aim is to improve the team and I have tried to do that in the best way possible.”
Italian reporters were understandably more concerned with the Donnarumma situation than with the match against Spurs, but the PSG manager soon grew tired of the subject.
“No more questions on this. It is my decision, it is the club’s decision and the club backs me,” Luis Enrique said.
“We now need to find the best solution for all parties.”
Donnarumma’s next club has yet to be decided, and the keeper would like the chance to bid farewell to the PSG supporters.
