Former Juventus striker Fabrizio Ravanelli reveals he advised Juventus to sign Gigio Donnarumma ten years ago: ‘It’s a huge regret.’
The 22-year-old goalkeeper underwent a trial with the Bianconeri in the 2011-12 campaign and the former Juventus and Middlesbrough striker was the coach of the team Donnarumma was training with.
“I can’t forget about him, he was already amazing. He had the same physical strength as today, but he was 12,” Ravanelli told Tuttosport.
#Ravanelli: "#Donnarumma-Juve, vi svelo come andò"
https://t.co/BdqP6wE9mm— Tuttosport (@tuttosport) July 19, 2021
“He was strong, explosive, impressive. It was impossible to score. None of his teammates was able to find the net, so we tried with several shots from the spot, but he was still able to save everything.
“He was different from the others. It’s easy to say so now, but I knew straight away he’d become a top player.”
Donnarumma hadn’t yet joined the Milan youth sector at that time, but the Old Lady didn’t manage to secure his services.
“It’s a pity because a small investment would have been enough to sign him,” said Ravanelli.
“It’s s shame, he would have been the perfect heir to Gigi Buffon. Now they have Szczesny, who is another great goalkeeper, so I understand the club and Allegri.”
The Tuscan tactician reportedly snubbed the Italy goalkeeper, opting to keep hold of the former Arsenal man, while Donnarumma has joined PSG as a free agent, signing a €12m-a-year deal until June 2026.
The Bianconeri had been linked with securing the services of the Italy goalkeeper who was named Player of the Tournament at UEFA Euro 2020.
He played a key role in helping Italy win the trophy saving penalties against Spain and England in the shootouts.
Donnarumma is currently on holiday and met former Milan President Silvio Berlusconi on Sunday.
The Italy international played 251 games in a Rossoneri shirt.