Donnarumma stands by Milan exit amid fierce competition for PSG starting spot

Gianluigi Donnarumma stands by his decision to leave Milan for Paris Saint-Germain despite having to share goalkeeping duties with Keylor Navas since arriving in France.

Italy’s Euro 2020 hero Donnarumma has only made 10 league starts since joining PSG on a free transfer last year, while Costa Rican competitor Keylor Navas has appeared between the sticks in 13 of the side’s Ligue 1 outings.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Donnarumma, who made 215 Serie A appearances at Milan after coming through the Rossoneri’s youth ranks, thanked his former club for their role in his development, but stressed that he was happy with life at PSG.

“I can only thank the club for what they did for me”, the 22-year-old said. “I improved as a man and as a footballer in Milan.

“I think PSG was in my destiny.

“They had been following me for many years and have always made sure I knew about their interest. Everyone at the club makes me feel important, from President Al-Khelaifi to director Leonardo. I am happy and proud to be here.

When asked about his competition with Navas, Donnarumma responded: “I knew that this was the situation when I signed with PSG.

“I don’t know what he [Navas] thinks, but I am okay with it because everyone here always makes me feel important.

“It’s not true that we are not on good terms, there is an excellent rapport between us, he is a good guy and there are no problems.”

Gianluigi Donnarumma is your #TropheeYachine winner! #BallonDor pic.twitter.com/6YpsLYiiqR

— Ballon d’Or #ballondor (@francefootball) November 29, 2021

Donnarumma’s San Siro departure generated a swathe of ill-feeling amongst the Rossoneri faithful, and he was roundly booed by Italian fans when returning to the stadium for a UEFA Nations League semi-final with the national team last October.

But Donnarumma, who starred in his country’s first major tournament win since 2006 as Italy triumphed at Euro 2020, claimed to hold no ill-feeling towards Milan, and revealed that he was in regular contact with boss Stefano Pioli and his former team-mates.

“As a fan, I always follow every game with passion. I often talk to my ex-team-mates, but also [to] Pioli, and I am happy with how things are going for them,” he said.

“I hope they’ll go all the way [in Serie A’s title race]. I am happy for Milan and their fans that they won the derby [a 2-1 triumph over Inter last week].”

Donnarumma has kept four Ligue 1 clean sheets so far this season, contributing to PSG boasting the joint-strongest defensive record in the French top flight. Meanwhile, his Milan replacement Mike Maignan has managed seven shutouts in 18 Serie A starts.