Despite playing a key role in PSG’s treble-winning campaign last season, coach Luis Enrique no longer sees the Italian goalkeeper in his plans—he wants a different type of shot-stopper.
At first, Enrique spoke warmly about Gianluigi Donnarumma, expressing gratitude and praise. But after repeated questions from reporters, the PSG coach lost his patience, making it clear he would not answer any more questions about the goalkeeper.
Tensions between Donnarumma and PSG had been simmering for weeks. Even after his stellar performances last season, the goalkeeper failed to win over Enrique’s trust. Recently, the club signed French goalkeeper Lukáš Štetina from Lille on a five-year deal. Soon after, Enrique left Donnarumma out of the squad for the UEFA Super Cup match against Tottenham Hotspur. Disappointed, the 26-year-old later announced on social media that he was leaving PSG, adding that he was being forced out “because of one person.”
Speaking before the Spurs match, Enrique said that while Donnarumma is among the best in the world, he is looking for a different profile in goal.
“Making decisions like this is never easy. I can only say good things about Gianluigi Donnarumma,” Enrique said.
“He’s one of the best in the world in his position, no doubt about it. As a person, he’s even better. But we want a goalkeeper with a different profile.”
The coach who delivered PSG’s first-ever Champions League title insisted the decision was about strengthening the team.
“We appreciate the level of player Donnarumma is and what he has done for this club. But my aim is to improve the team, and I’m doing everything I can in the best possible way.”
Questions about Donnarumma kept coming. With the Super Cup being played in Udine, Italy, the press room was filled with Italian journalists, many eager to ask about the hero of Italy’s Euro 2021 triumph. Eventually, Enrique snapped.
“No more questions on this. I made this decision, the club made this decision, and the club supports me. Now, we have to find the best solution for all parties.”
At the time of the press conference, PSG had not yet made Donnarumma’s departure official. When asked about the situation, PSG captain Marquinhos answered philosophically.
“It’s always difficult. I’ve been here for 12–13 years and I’ve seen many players go through this. That’s life, that’s football. One day I’ll have to leave too, and I hope it’s on good terms. Players come and go, but the club stays, the fans stay, the history stays.”
“I don’t know if he will stay or go. If he stays, we will welcome him with open arms, because what he did last season was unbelievable. He’s the reason we reached the final and lifted trophies. But if he leaves, we will thank him.”
