Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has announced that he will leave the French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) after winning the treble with them last season. Donnarumma played a key role in PSG winning their maiden UEFA Champions League title by making some key saves during matches against clubs like Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal.
Taking to social media, Donnarumma announced with a message to Paris fans in which he said, "To the special Paris fans, from the first day I arrived, I gave everything - on and off the pitch - to earn my place and defend the goal of Paris Saint-Germain. Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team's success. I am disappointed and disheartened."
He added,"I hope to have the opportunity to look the fans at the Parc des Princes in the eyes one more time and say goodbye as it should be done. If that doesn't happen, I want you to know that your support and affection mean the world to me and I will never forget it. I will always carry with me the memory of all the emotions, the magical nights and of you, who made me feel at home.
"To my team-mates my second family thank you for every battle, every laugh, every moment we shared. You will always be my brothers. Playing for this club and living in this city has been an immense honour. Thank you, Paris."
Why did Gianluigi Donnarumma decide to leave PSG?
According to an ESPN report, Donnarumma was already one of the squad's highest earners and wanted a pay raise. He refused to accept the new salary structure imposed by the club's sporting director, Luis Campo, in the past two years: a lower salary base with big incentives for individual and collective performances.
With Donnarumma still having one year left in his contract, PSG are expecting bids from clubs like Chelsea, Manchester United or Inter Milan, who have all had contact with Enzo Raiola, Donnarumma's agent
What next for PSG?
As per an ESPN report, PSG has already signed goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier from Lille in a transfer worth €40 million ($47 million) plus an additional €15 million ($17m) in potential bonuses. Chevalier was signed to be the club's new No. 1. They next face Tottenham in the UEFA Super Cup.
