Gianluigi Donnarumma arrives at PSG headquarters ahead of official announcement
By Max Cooper
Gianluigi Donnarumma was pictured arriving at Paris Saint-Germain's headquarters on Wednesday afternoon, ahead of his free transfer to the French giants.
The 22-year-old's Milan contract expired at the end of last season, and the goalkeeper decided not to renew his deal, instead choosing a switch to the French capital.
And Canal Supporters captured the moment that Donnarumma entered the PSG headquarters on Wednesday, ahead of his inevitable announcement as their new goalkeeper. The Italian has signed a five-year deal with the French club that will run until the summer of 2026.
The former Milan star was his nation's hero at Euro 2020, saving vital penalties in the semi-final and final shootouts, firing Italy to glory in the summer tournament. He made two stops in the final success over England, parrying spot-kicks from Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka.
Donnarumma's superb performances meant he was voted as the Player of the Tournament for Euro 2020, confirming his place among the very best goalkeepers in the world. And that Italian success will be bittersweet to Milan fans, who have been forced to watch the man they nurtured as a boy walk away for free.
The goalkeeper also penned an emotional letter to Milan fans, thanking them for their support over the years, but stating that difficult decisions like this 'are part of the development of a man.'
"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 fulfil 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".
Donnarumma is expected to be announced as a new PSG player imminently.