Paris St-Germain boss Luis Enrique confirmed he received backing from the club to omit Gianluigi Donnarumma from the squad for the UEFA Super Cup.
The Italy international did not make the trip to Udine for Wednesday’s game against Tottenham, with Lucas Chevalier and Renato Marin chosen instead. Donnarumma later posted online that he felt “disappointed and disheartened” by the decision.
Enrique stated the call was made because he wanted a “different profile” in goal. “The club supports me, and we are trying to find the best outcome,” he said on Tuesday. “It’s a tough choice. I have nothing but positive things to say about Gigi. He’s among the top keepers in the world and an even greater person. But we were after a different profile, and these calls are never easy.”
Uncertainty over future at PSG
Donnarumma, 26, played a key role in PSG’s Champions League-winning campaign last season, making his exclusion a surprise.
In a later message on Tuesday, the goalkeeper expressed doubt over featuring for the Ligue 1 side again. “I hope I can meet the supporters at the Parc des Princes one last time to say farewell properly,” he wrote. “If that doesn’t happen, I want you to know your support has meant everything to me, and I’ll never forget it.”
Teammates show appreciation
Club captain Marquinhos praised Donnarumma’s impact and contribution. “It’s always hard. I’ve been here over a decade, and I’ve seen many teammates leave,” he said. “That’s part of the game. All we can do is give our best for them while they’re still here.
“Players change, but the history remains. Gigi is part of that history, and we are proud of him. What he achieved last season was outstanding, and we owe him a lot. If he departs, we offer our heartfelt thanks.”
