Gianluigi Donnarumma releases statement on future after agreeing Manchester City contract | OneFootball

Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has released a candid statement on his fallout at his Paris Saint-Germain as he searches for a new club ahead of the new season.

The 26-year-old is out of contract at the Parc des Princes next summer and will leave the newly-crowned UEFA Champions League winners in the coming weeks, with Manchester United and Manchester City among those interested in the goalkeeper.

City eye Donnarumma as an ideal replacement for Ederson, who has wanted a new chapter since last summer, when he failed to broker a transfer to Saudi Arabia. Despite initial suggestions and an expectation that the Brazilian will enter the final year of his Manchester City contract, the Blues could allow a sale at the right price.

Galatasaray are understood to have an agreement in place over personal terms with Ederson, who has won six Premier League titles at the Etihad Stadium since joining from Benfica for £35 million in the summer of 2017.

Manchester City have already overhauled their goalkeeping department this summer with the additions of Marcus Bettinelli and James Trafford as second and third choice shotstoppers respectively – following the departure of Scott Carson at the end of his contract.

Stefan Ortega Moreno is expected to complete a permanent move away from the Etihad Stadium before the September 1 transfer window. City boss Pep Guardiola has been keen to keep hold of Ederson for another year.

However, Manchester City’s transfer policy will allow a sale if Galatasaray can table an acceptable offer for Ederson, whom City will benefit from selling this summer for the right price to avoid the risk of losing him for free when his contract expires in 2026.

It remains to be seen whether Ederson can broker a transfer to Turkey, while Manchester City have stepped up negotiations with Donnarumma and agreed personal terms with the Italy international in what will be a massive coup at the Etihad Stadium.

In a statement released across his social media channels on Tuesday evening, Donnarumma has confirmed that he will be leaving Paris Saint-Germain this summer, condemning the manner in which the board went about their decision and thanking the fans for their support since he joined the club for free from AC Milan in 2021.

Donnarumma wrote: “To the special Paris fans, From the first day I arrived, I gave everything – on and off the pitch – to earn my place and defend the goal of Paris Saint-Germain.

“Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of the group and contribute to the team’s success. I am disappointed and disheartened.

“I hope to have the opportunity to look the fans at the Parc des Princes in the eyes one more time and say goodbye as it should be done. If that doesn’t happen, I want you to know that your support and affection mean the world to me, and I will never forget it.

“I will always carry with me the memory of all the emotions, the magical nights, and of you, who made me feel at home.

“To my teammates – my second family – thank you for every battle, every laugh, every moment we shared. You will always be my brothers. Playing for this club and living in this city has been an immense honour.”