Some representatives of Milan’s most passionate fans asked and obtained a meeting with Gianluigi Donnarumma before the Benevento game. They pressured the goalkeeper about his extension and invited him not to play against Juventus if he does not sign this week, Corriere della Sera reports.
Donnarumma reportedly did not appreciate that the club forced him into a tough situation and left the encounter with the 20/30 ultras in tears. He told them that he would like to stay but that he will decide his future on his own and did not make any promise. The supporters want him to be their Francesco Totti.
Director Paolo Maldini issued a statement Sunday morning: “We firmly reiterate that nobody outside of Milan can decide who plays and who extends his contract. These choices are made by the coach and by management. From this point on, every negation for new contracts will be frozen until the end of the season to allow the squad to focus solely on the matches. In the meantime, we will continue to protect our players as we have always done.”
It is not the first time the fans voice their disappointment towards Donnarumma, as a similar protest happened in 2017 before he inked a lucrative contract that is set to expire in June. On that occasion, he was thrown fake money during a match with U-21 Italy and pegged as “Dollarumma.”
Milan offered to raise his salary to €8M including bonuses, while his agent Mino Raiola is asking for €12M per year. Juventus are willing to offer more than the Rossoneri but have not met his asking price either. They are considered the most likely destination should he leave on a free transfer.