Paolo Maldini confirms the departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma from Milan
Former AC Milan manager and international defender Paolo Maldini announced on Wednesday that his international goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma will leave the Lombard club this summer on a free transfer.
Donnarumma's contract with Milan expires at the end of the month and has been linked with a move to Spanish league giants Barcelona, Real Madrid, Manchester United and even Juventus, their traditional rivals in Italy.
"We need to show respect to someone who has done so much to Milan, who has never lessened his respect for us," said the legend of Milan on the social networking platform "Twitch". We are going separate roads, but I can only wish him the best. ”
He added, "Donnarumma was one of the most prominent players in our ranks this season, but it has become difficult to find players who will start their football career with a team and end their careers with him, and thus our path is separated."
Milan, the 7-time European champion, ended the season in second place last weekend, and booked their ticket to the prestigious continental competition for the first time since the 2013-2014 season.
"I think we need to thank every player who participated in this great season," Maldini said. "Jeju was a leader and very often our captain."
Donnarumma (22 years) is considered one of the best goalkeepers in the world and will be a key in coach Roberto Mancini's squad during Italy's participation in the European Cup 2020 finals postponed until next month due to the Corona virus.
Donnarumma made his first match with the team at the age of 16 after graduating from the club's academy in 2015, and since then he has played more than 200 matches with him, cementing his reputation as the best goalkeeper in Italy.
Milan is preparing to secure a replacement for him by signing Lille goalkeeper Mike Mainan, who underwent a medical examination with the "Rossoneri" on Tuesday.
