As it has been known for weeks, Gianluigi Donnarumma will play at PSG next season. The two parties reached an agreement early in the off-season but waited until the end of the Euro for the announcement. He was named the best player of the tournament and keyed Italy’s victory in the penalty shoot-outs against Spain and England.
After a lengthy negotiation, Donnarumma decided to leave Milan as a free agent after 6 seasons as the starter. He inked a five-year contract with PSG, where he will earn €12M per season. The French club significantly outbid the other contenders. He has accumulated 251 appearances with the Rossoneri, keeping 88 clean sheets and conceding 265 goals. They signed Mike Maignan to replace him.
Donnarumma explained his decision on Instagram Tuesday: “Some choices are hard, but they are part of growing. I joined Milan when I was a little more than a kid. I wore this jersey for 8 years with pride. We fought, suffered, won, cried, and rejoiced together with my teammates, coaches, and everybody else who forms this club, including the fans, who are an integral part of what has been a family for many years.”
“I have reached several important milestones with the Rossoneri, like the Serie A debut at 16. I have had extraordinary seasons that I will never forget. Now it is time to say goodbye. It was not easy and it is tough to explain because feelings can hardly be turned into words. What I can say that is that sometimes it is right to change, take on different challenges, grow and complete yourself. I wish Milan the best with all my heart and affection for these colors, something that the distance and the time will never erase,” Donnarumma concluded.