Claudio Ranieri says it’s “ridiculous to talk about a betrayal” in the case of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Milan.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper rejected a new deal with the Rossoneri earlier this month, though he may now be reconsidering, drawing condemnation from fans and pundits.
“I’m with Donnarumma and [agent Mino] Raiola,” Ranieri shrugged, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“This is nothing to do with money, and it’s ridiculous to talk about a betrayal.
Claudio Ranieri says it’s “ridiculous to talk about a betrayal” in the case of Gianluigi Donnarumma and Milan.
The 18-year-old goalkeeper rejected a new deal with the Rossoneri earlier this month, though he may now be reconsidering, drawing condemnation from fans and pundits.
“I’m with Donnarumma and [agent Mino] Raiola,” Ranieri shrugged, speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport.
“This is nothing to do with money, and it’s ridiculous to talk about a betrayal.
“The cornerstone of the problem is that the player will only renew his contract if he believes in the projected presented by the new Rossoneri ownership.
“Raiola said long ago: ‘a talent like Donnarumma deserves to be part of a great team’. Are Milan on the level of the five or six leading European teams?
“Money doesn’t matter, because the offer from the Rossoneri leaders is big. It’s about ambition, a professional path.
“If Donnarumma went to Real Madrid he’d probably win two or three Champions Leagues in the next two or three years, right? It’s normal to have doubts, yet they accuse him of being a traitor.
“If he stays, it will be a tremendous act of love for the Rossoneri world.”
Ranieri was also asked about the future of Francesco Totti, who has an offer to be a Roma director after playing his final game for the Giallorossi.
“Francesco shouldn’t rush, he has to study. He needs to throw himself into the role he has chosen with humility.
“Above all I hope he will be happy. In the beginning he’ll miss the unique adrenaline the Olimpico pitch can produce; scoring a goal, the scream of the Curva Sud.
“As a player he could win a game with a piece of technique, he’ll understand it’s more difficult as a director.”
Finally, the Nantes Coach was asked about Italy’s World Cup qualification showdown with Spain in September.
“It’s a brutal game,” Ranieri admitted.
“In September we won’t be physically up to speed; not many games in the legs, not enough tension in the head. It’ll be tough.
“We’ll go to the World Cup anyway though, maybe through the play-offs. When we’re on the edge of the abyss we become unbeatable.”