Italy international Gianluigi Donnarumma admits competition with Keylor Navas at PSG made him grow and reveals the Ligue 1 giants’ goalkeeper coach and Gigi Buffon are two of the reasons why he moved to France from Milan.
The ex-Rossoneri star left San Siro at the end of his contract a year and a half ago, joining PSG on a free transfer.
Former PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino rotated Gigio and Keylor Navas last summer, but Donnarumma has become the regular starter between the sticks this term.
“When I arrived, my only objective was to give everything for this club, for the team, and to win as much as possible,” he told L’Equipe.
“Last season helped me grow enormously, precisely because of these difficulties. Christophe Galtier has given a clear hierarchy this season, and I thank him for his trust.
“Last year, the important thing was to try to be ready each time I played. I took it like that, even if it was difficult, an experience that can help, especially when you’re young.”
Keylor joined Premier League side Nottingham Forest on loan in January.
“We are two good boys, we got along well, but of course, sometimes it was difficult. We took it well, trying to help the team, which is the only important thing. It wasn’t just about him or me, but the whole team,” said Donnarumma.
What did convince him to sign for PSG?
“Everyone wanted me, I was happy to see their desire to sign me,” he said.
“I want to win as much as possible, to write the history for this club. When you arrive, you realize how important this club is. The city is fantastic, the supporters are incredible, there is everything to win and win again. I knew Gianluca Spinelli [goalkeeping coach at PSG and the Italian national team] was here and that counted too. He was important for my choice, and he still is today.”
Buffon gave him more reasons to join the Ligue 1 giants, having played for the club in 2017-18.
“He told me about all the beautiful things you can find in Paris, it made me feel better about my choice. I have a strong relationship with him, he is very happy with me,” admitted Donnarumma.
Olympique Marseille knocked PSG out of the French Cup earlier this week.
“We all win together and we all lose together. I was very disappointed. I didn’t feel guilty, but I felt very disappointed. This match did not turn out well; we have to move on, this season, we will give everything again, to win.”
The Ligue 1 giants will face Bayern Munich in the Champions League Round of 16.
“We want to do well. All matches are important, especially in the Champions League, where the pressure rises a little. There is a huge desire to do well in this competition, that’s for sure. Today, we think of Bayern. We just want to win,” concluded Donnarumma.