Donnarumma bids AC Milan farewell with open letter
The Italian goalkeeper published a farewell note on social media, explaining that “it was the right moment for a new challenge”.
With Italy's celebrations for winning Euro 2020 now over, the time has come for Gigio Donnarumma to say goodbye to AC Milan. Milan fans have spent several weeks waiting for the goalkeeper to make an announcement regarding his future - he leaves the club where he came up through the youth ranks as a free agent after six seasons and 251 appearances with the first team. The keeper is expected to sign a contract with PSG that will keep him in Paris until 2026. He will earn over 10 million euros a year after tax at his new club and Milan fans are not happy that he leaves the place that gave him his education without leaving a single euro in the coffers in the way of a transfer fee. Donnarumma failed to reach an agreement to renew with Milan and his agent Mino Raiola decided to take him to PSG.
Donnarumma's open letter
Donnarumma however, has published an open letter on social media to explain his decision to move on. "Some decisions are difficult to make, but they are part of the development of a man. I joined Milan when I was a boy, I wore that shirt with pride for eight years. We fought, we suffered, won, cried together and celebrated together; unbelievable years that I will never forget. Now it is time for me to say goodbye, a decision which wasn't easy for me to make and this letter can never be enough to fully explain why - maybe I will never be able to do so, because the deepest feelings can never be expressed in words alone. What I can say, is that sometimes it is good to have a change and confront new challenges, grow and fulfill yourself. Everyone in the Rossonero family will be a fundamental part of the path I am about to take, and who made me who I am. I wish Milan every possible success and I say that from the heart; for the affection that connects me to Milan's colours, a feeling that time and distance can never erase".
The keeper's letter was acknowledged and well received by his ex-team mates, but not by the majority of the fans, who criticised his decision not to commit to the club, run down his contract and leave on a free. A move which they may never forgive him for.
AC Milan respond to Donnarumma's goodbye note
AC Milan did reply to his letter: "Dear Gigio, thank you for everything you gave us during all of your years with the rossoneri, we wish you the best of luck in your career. With love". It's a sad ending to a beautiful romance, but Gigio is looking ahead - he is a recently-crowned European champion with Italy and aiming to lift the Champions League with PSG.