Luis Enrique says he takes full responsibility for dropping Gianluigi Donnarumma from the UEFA Super Cup squad amid transfer rumours.
PSG boss takes full blame for Donnarumma’s Super Cup snub55-year-old says he needed a goalkeeper with a 'different' profileItalian stopper's agent threatens legal actionFollow GOAL on WhatsApp! 🟢📱WHAT HAPPENED?
Ahead of the UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham, the Paris Saint-Germain coach confirmed he personally decided to drop Donnarumma from the squad, with the move coming amid stalled contract talks and transfer speculation. The former Spain coach explained that he wanted a "different kind" of goalkeeper, even though he called Donnarumma “one of the best in the world.”
However, the statement didn't go down well with the Italian stopper, who took to social media to call the decision hurtful. He said he was “disappointed and disheartened” to be told he could no longer be part of the group and expressed a desire for a proper farewell.
AdvertisementGetty Images SportTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Donnarumma joined PSG in 2021 and played a key role in their Champions League and treble-winning season in June. However, with contract talks stalling, the French club signed young goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier as the new starter, effectively pushing Donnarumma out. His agent, Enzo Raiola, has criticised PSG’s handling of the situation, suggesting they are considering legal action against the Champions League winners.
Raiola said: "I understand the need to buy a new goalkeeper, but dismissing Gigio after everything he's done for the club is a huge lack of respect that I will assess with my lawyers. Beyond the fact that it was the coach who made this decision, he also works for the club, and my lawyers and I want to better understand their position."
WHAT LUIS ENRIQUE SAID
Luis Enrique has given his say on the matter, though, explaining why he made the decision to drop the Italian. He told reporters: "Donnarumma is one of the best goalkeepers in the world, without a doubt, and even better as a person. However, this is the life of a top-level footballer, and I am 100% responsible for this difficult decision. If it were easy, anyone would do it. These decisions have to do with the profile of the goalkeeper my team needs.
"Lucas Chevalier and Renato Marin have also arrived as signings. These are always difficult decisions to make. I know that. I can only speak highly of Donnarumma. He's one of the best players in his position, without a doubt. He's even better as a person. But we're looking for a different type of goalkeeper. And I'll repeat it. It's always difficult to manage these kinds of situations… There's no more dwelling, no more questions. It's my decision, which the club supports, and we're looking for the best solution for all parties involved."
gettyWHAT NEXT FOR DONNARUMMA?
Manchester City have emerged as the new favourites to sign the goalkeeper this summer as they could leave Brazilian shot stopper Ederson.
