Gianluigi Donnarumma to stay at AC for one more year
The 18-year-old told the Serie A club last week that he would not be renewing his contract
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gianluigi Donnarumma will stay at AC Milan for the 2017/18 season and see out the final year of his contract, club CEO Marco Fassone has said.
The 18-year-old, who has been tipped as the heir to Gianluigi Buffon, told AC Milan last week that he would not be renewing his contract with the club and has subsequently been linked with a move away from the San Siro.
The decision has angered fans and the youngster was showered with fake money during Italy’s U21 European Championship opener against Denmark two days ago.
But Mino Raiola, Donnarumma's agent, has claimed that the youngster was “forced” into the stance by the club, insisting that the matter “has nothing to do with money”.
Speaking in the wake of such a public fallout, Fassone has insisted that the ‘keeper is staying put at AC Milan for now but suggested he would leave on a free transfer next summer.
"I kind of saw it coming," Fassone told Milan TV. "I can say that this wasn't a bolt out of the blue because for the past two months we experienced a dichotomy between what Raiola coherently has been telling me every time we talked.
"You're expecting an answer, but it's too early for that, we need our time, we need to evaluate the AC Milan project, and what Gigio has been telling me every time we met.
"He told me, 'I want to stay at AC Milan, I don't want to leave.' One aspect leaves a bitter aftertaste: legitimacy should always go together with ethics.
"I appreciate what Mister Li, who is following this situation with me on a daily basis, is making me perceive, we do not need someone to give us handouts, offering €15-20m for Donnarumma. Gigio is worth much more than this. He is worth more regardless of his contract's duration.
"If he wants to leave, he will be free at the end of the 2017/18 season. Now we will be open to offers for Donnarumma.
"He is staying here, if any club wants him, they will have to pay what he is worth, otherwise Donnarumma will stay here."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments