Gianluigi Donnarumma, now a key player for Paris Saint-Germain, recently opened up in a comprehensive interview with SportMediaset. The former AC Milan goalkeeper shared insights on his career, life in Paris, and his views on Italian football.
On his current situation, Donnarumma stated, “I’m doing very well. I’ve settled in well here in Paris, it’s a beautiful period for me with the birth of my first child. It’s exciting.”
Reflecting on his growth, he admitted, “It wasn’t very easy. At the beginning, there was a bit of pressure, but the important thing is to always keep your feet on the ground and not get carried away by euphoria or enthusiasm, but to always remain balanced.”
Donnarumma addressed the criticism he’s faced, saying, “I’m very self-critical. At the end of the match, I always try to understand what I can do better. In the recent period, since I left Italy, I’ve been a bit too targeted, which is a bit annoying. But now I have broad shoulders, I’ve been playing for many years so I know how it works and I know what I need to do to stay in my bubble.”
On the Champions League ambitions of PSG, he commented, “Every year there are many organized and strong teams, so it’s not easy to win the Champions League. To do so, you need to be good and also a bit lucky.”
Donnarumma also shared his thoughts on young AC Milan prospect Francesco Camarda: “I met Camarda this year when we played a friendly in Empoli, before the European Championship. The first impression is that he’s an exceptional guy, as a person I saw him as very humble, he’s really a good boy. I hope he can do really well, especially at Milan he can give a lot.”
Regarding the Serie A title race, Donnarumma offered his perspective: “I often watch the matches, this year I see a good championship. Napoli with Conte I think can do very well, can be annoying and without cups I think they have more chances to win the Scudetto. But there’s Milan, there’s Inter, there’s Juve, so it’s all to be seen. It will be a good championship until the end.”
On Italy’s national team and coach Luciano Spalletti, Donnarumma shared, “What does he often repeat to me? ‘Maremma Maiala’. The coach is very good, he really manages to teach football, to prepare matches well and I’m very happy to work with him. I think he’s a perfect coach for our national team, for Italy’s growth.”
Finally, Donnarumma expressed his hope for teammate Kylian Mbappé: “Certainly whoever won it deserved it more than anyone, but I’m a very good friend and fan of Kylian Mbappé and I hope that one day he can reach the Ballon d’Or. He’s making football history and will continue to do so for many years, so I hope this will come too.”
