PSG keeper Gigio Donnarumma says he must ‘put emotions aside’ in Wednesday’s Champions League clash against Milan and warns his teammates that the Rossoneri’s ‘unity’ is ‘their strength.’
The Italy international faces his former club Milan as an opponent for the first time since leaving the Rossoneri as a free agent in 2021. Tomorrow, his PSG side will host Stefano Pioli’s men in a key Champions League group-stage game. The Ligue 1 giants have collected three points in two Champions League games so far, while Milan picked up draws against Newcastle and Borussia Dortmund.
“It’s a thrilling game for me, it will be special to play against Milan,” Donnarumma said at a press conference as quoted by TMW.
“I must put emotions aside and focus on the game. I am happy, we are a family at PSG as we were at Milan. I spent eight years there and I will forever be thankful. The environment here is incredible. Fans have welcomed me well and I try to give my all for PSG.
“It will be an important and difficult game. The unity of the group is Milan’s strength,” continued Gigio.
“I know how Pioli prepares games and we must be careful. We have prepared the game well under every point of view and we’ll try to win. There isn’t a favourite team, the group is balanced.
“We must give our all to win tomorrow, then we’ll think about the return leg. We have two important games ahead, but maybe not decisive.”
Donnarumma has already played twice at San Siro with Italy’s national team since joining PSG but was booed by Milan fans both times. Away Rossoneri supporters will likely give him the same reception tomorrow, waiting for PSG’s trip to Milan in two weeks.
“Of course, I am sorry because I always gave my best for Milan, until the end,” noted Donnarumma.
“However, it’s not time to think about that now. I am fully focused on the game and of course, emotions should not prevail, although there will be many.”
Milan signed Mike Maignan in 2021 after months of negotiations with Donnarumma’s agent Mino Raiola and Gigio showed the utmost respect for the France international.
“Maignan is a great keeper, he is the starter of the France national team and I am happy with what he is doing,” he said.
“We respect each other and I wish him the best for the future, including for the national team.
“For me, it wasn’t easy at PSG at the beginning because I have many friends in Milan and Italy. Now I’ve made new friends here and learned the language too. Now I communicate well with the others and I am really happy.”
PSG lost their last Champions League match against Newcastle so they’ll be looking to bounce back tomorrow.
“We could have done more in that game and we are still very angry. We knew it would not be easy at Newcastle, but we must focus on the next match now,” said Donnarumma.
“There are many good keepers, but mentality makes the difference. Everyone makes errors, but remaining focused and making as few errors as possible is what matters. If you make mistakes, then you have to improve. This is the real difference between a good and a top keeper.”