Gigio Donnarumma claims PSG had been following him ‘for a long time’ and insists there is ‘no rivalry’ with Keylor Navas in Paris.
The Italy international has won the Yashin Award for the best goalkeeper in 2021 and was honoured by his club earlier this week, before a 0-0 draw against OGC Nice that saw the 22-year-old start.
Donnarumma is not a regular in PSG’s starting XI, but insists there is no rivalry with his teammate Keylor Navas.
“We are friends and things are going well, there are many rumours about our rivalry, but that’s not the truth,” the Italy international said in an interview with France Football.
However, the former Milan goalkeeper said that competition with the former Real Madrid star disturbed him only a few weeks ago.
Donnarumma insists he’s settled in well in Paris after his free transfer from Milan in the summer.
“PSG had been following me for a long time, they strongly wanted me to join their family. Their ambition is fascinating.
“Milan were like a family to me, but they made my choices and I made mine. I have no problems with the fans, the club, or former teammates. They are all in my heart.
PSG honour Donnarumma and Messi with Italy star decisive in 0-0 draw
“I was excited to play with Messi, Neymar and Mbappé, but once on the pitch, it all disappeared. They’ve welcomed me with open arms and made me feel at ease.”
Italy won the Euros in the summer but will be forced to qualify for the 2022 World Cup going through the play-offs.
“It’s normal that everyone gives the 120% against us after the Euros,” said Donnarumma.
“Perhaps, we deserved to win both games against Switzerland but it’s useless to think about it.
“We need to look ahead and I am sure we will show the same compactness we had at the Euros. With the help of Mancini and his staff, we’ll manage to go to Qatar.”
🗞 « TAILLE PATRON » 🗞
Retour sur le #tropheeyachine dans le numéro France Football de samedi 👀#ballondor pic.twitter.com/CRuFrvwQNh
— Ballon d'Or #ballondor (@francefootball) December 2, 2021
Journalists should stop asking about his Milan exit. It is all in the past. Were we bitter? Yes, but now honestly I feel indifferent already. Was it the right choice for both parties? Too soon to tell, but at least this saga paint the real colour of the involved ones. Good luck with his career.
It is the right choice by both parties i think, as milan got gk with better ball distribution, Donnarumma got better salary, and psg got incredible 2nd choice gk,, happy happy happy, everybody happy