PSG coach Luis Enrique wants ‘different profile’ to Gianluigi Donnarumma
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Gianluigi Donnarumma will be bidding Paris Saint-Germain farewell as coach Luis Enrique confirmed that he is looking for a different profile of goalkeeper.
PHOTO: AFP
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UDINE – Paris Saint-Germain coach Luis Enrique on Aug 12 defended his decision to freeze out Gianluigi Donnarumma ahead of the new season, insisting he needed a goalkeeper with a “different” profile.
Donnarumma appears set to move after PSG signed Lucas Chevalier from Lille, before Enrique left the Italian out of his squad for the European Super Cup tie against Tottenham Hotspur on Aug 13.
“These are always difficult decisions to make. I can only speak highly of Donnarumma,” the Spaniard told a press conference in Udine.
“He is one of the best players in his position, without any doubt. He is even better as a person, but we were looking for a different profile of goalkeeper. It’s my decision, and the club supports me.
“Bearing in mind the level of Gianluigi Donnarumma and everything he has given to the club, of course we understand the situation but my aim is to improve the team and I have tried to do that in the best way possible. We now need to find the best solution for all parties.”
Donnarumma played a starring role in the latter stages of last season’s Champions League as PSG secured the trophy for the first time with a 5-0 final thrashing of Inter Milan.
The Italian – reportedly a target of Manchester City, Manchester United and Chelsea – said he was “disappointed” by his omission.
“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,” the 26-year-old said in an Instagram post.
“Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group or contribute to the team’s success. I am disappointed and disheartened.”
Donnarumma has made 161 appearances for PSG since signing from AC Milan in 2021.
He has won seven major trophies with the European champions, while also playing a big role in Italy’s Euro 2020 triumph.
“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,” he added.
“If that doesn’t happen, I want you to know that your support and affection mean the world to me.”
PSG captain Marquinhos, who has been with the club since 2013, admitted it was hard to see Donnarumma pushed towards the exit door.
“It’s always difficult,” the Brazilian told reporters.
“In the 12 or 13 years I’ve been here, I’ve seen the same thing happen to other important players, who were forced to choose another club at the end of the transfer window and leave.
“Our life is like that, football is like that. As players, all we can do is give our all until the last minute while we’re here. If he has to leave, we will thank him.”
Enrique’s men also start their Ligue 1 title defence this weekend with a trip to Nantes on Aug 17. AFP, REUTERS
