A"bitter" Gianlugi Donnarumma said he was leaving Paris Saint Germain after the French and European champions coach Luis Henrique left the Azzurri keeper and skipper out of the side to face Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday's European Super Cup.
    In a post, 26-year-old Donnarumma bade farewell to the "special Paris fans" saying "unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of this group and contribute to the team's success.

It's a decision that leaves me disappointed and bitter." "I'm 100% responsible," said Enrique explained on the eve of the final against Tottenham in Udine.
    "He's one of the best goalkeepers in the world, no doubt about it, and an even better person.

What if he's out of the team? But that's the life of top-level footballers. I'm 100% responsible for this difficult decision. If it were easy, anyone would do it. These decisions have to do with the profile of the goalkeeper my team needs." 1982 World Cup winning goalie and captain Dino Zoff said Tuesday he was puzzled by Henrique's dropping Donnarumma because his heir had played such a large part in the Parisians' Champions League victory with heroics against a string of English sides before shutting out Inter Milan in the 5-0 final drubbing.
    Donnarumma made spectacular match-saving saves against Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal before another fine performance against Inter in the UCL final on May 31.
    Henrique has left the big Azzurro out of the Super Cup clash with Spurs amid rumours he might want away as he did from his previous place at AC Milan.
    With his long experience first as player and then also as Italy coach, 83-year-old keeping legend Zoff weighed in on the Donnarumma-Paris Saint-Germain affair, telling ANSA: "I don't understand what could have happened, especially because his contribution was paramount.
    "The situation isn't clear," he added, "or the reason for such a serious decision. Also because PSG's Champions League success is also thanks to him.
    "Of course, I'm surprised. Perhaps there are contract or renewal issues, but I have no specific information." Zoff said he isn't worried that the Italy goalkeeper will be out of action for long. "I don't think he can stop because he could go somewhere else," he continued.
    "There's no fear that, despite the upcoming international fixtures, Donnarumma will lose his starting spot for the Azzurri due to lack of minutes: "For me, that's not a viable option. He's a reigning European champion. A solution will be found." Zoff said his successor as Azzurri coach Rino Gattuso can rest easy.
    "I don't think Donnarumma will become a problem. I'm not that pessimistic. Advice? I won't give any. He'll know what to do." The former Italy number one under Ferruccio Valcareggi and Enzo Bearzot doesn't believe the criticisms of Donnarumma's limited use of his feet either.
    "I don't think so. They're excuses. If a goalkeeper plays well with his feet, all the better, but you have to start from the basics, namely making saves." How would I rate Donnarumma's season, he was asked? "From what I've seen, he won the European Cup with a notable contribution.
    More than that..." Donnarumma's ex teammates paid tribute to him on social media Wednesday.
    A simple, yet meaningful, heart-shaped message was posted by Kylian Mbappé, Donnarumma's former teammate for three seasons in Paris.
    Messages also poured in in the comments section on Donnarumma's farewell Instagram post.
    "Thank you for everything, number one," wrote Ousmane Dembélé, along with three hearts.
    "El mejor, thank you Gigio," added Désiré Doué.
    Portuguese goalkeeper Vitinha opted for Italian. "Thank you so much, Shisho." "One of us," commented Achraf Hakimi.
    "Great Gigio," said Presnel Kimpembe, while Warren Zaire-Emery commented, "Thank you, Gigio," and Khvitcha Kvaratskhelia thanked his "brother." Captain Marquinhos had already sent a message to the Italian goalkeeper before the pre-UEFA Super Cup press conference in Udine.
    "I'm very proud of what we've done with Gigio, of what he's achieved. We thank him from the bottom of our hearts. He's been a great leader throughout his years with us." In the French media, Le Figaro Sport dedicated its front page to the Donnarumma case, highlighting how the goalkeeper said goodbye with a message "full of class and respect."
   

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA