Gianluigi Donnarumma
Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) have opted to leave their first-choice goalkeeper, Gianluigi Donnarumma, out of the squad for their Super Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur in Italy. This decision has sparked tension within the club, as the situation surrounding Donnarumma remains unresolved. PSG’s manager, Enrique, has now confirmed that the decision to exclude the Italian international was his own.
Enrique said: “Gigio is one of the best goalkeepers in the world and an even better person. But that’s the life of a top-level footballer, as it is for coaches. These are difficult decisions, but I take responsibility for the choice I made. If they were easy, anyone would make them. They have to do with the profile of the goalkeeper my team needs.”
Stepping into the spotlight for PSG is Lucas Chevalier, a recent acquisition from LOSC Lille, who was signed for a reported €40 million (£34.5 million) last week. The decision to start Chevalier comes amidst reports from Turkish media indicating interest from Galatasaray in Donnarumma. Meanwhile, Manchester Evening News reports that Ruben Amorim and his team are also in the market for a new goalkeeper, although no specific budget has been set for this pursuit.
The defender commented: “We know how football is, which is a bit difficult, especially in the transfer market. He was a great player for us, he deserves all the best in his life. He’s a great person and a great man, he respected this club a lot, but football is like that and sometimes we can’t do too much. We don’t know what happened in the discussion. I’ve been here for 12 or 13 years and I’ve experienced many moments like this: friends who arrive and friends who leave.”
The exclusion of Donnarumma from such a high-profile match raises questions about his future at PSG. While Enrique has taken full responsibility for his decision, the move could indicate a shift in strategy or a potential transfer in the works. As the situation develops, PSG’s management will need to address the underlying issues to maintain team cohesion and focus on their objectives for the season.
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