Many have discussed Gianluigi Donnarumma's departure on a free transfer as he is a football prodigy with immense talent who tempts many big European clubs.
Arrigo Sacchi, legendary coach of the Rossonero club, commented on this case by granting the following words to the pages of La Gazzetta dello Sport for today's edition:
"I was able to meet Donnarumma before and I thought he was more mature than his age. So, I respect him as a man and a player. However, I cannot hide the sorrow of this story. The club valued him. In life there's a sense of gratitude towards the ones who give you an important chance and this was the occasion to show it. Let's not forget that Milan did already offer him a rich contract renewal, so this makes me wonder why he left."
"There are examples about remaining in the world of Milan. I'm talking about the Shevchenko and Kaka cases. The first, for the money, decided to go to Chelsea. The second one, again for an economic question, chose Real Madrid. Then both failed. Leaving a place where you are loved is always a risk. To be honest, I don't understand how one can leave the certain for the uncertain in the name of money."
On Milan signing Maignan to replace Donnarumma:
"Donnarumma was offered an important proposal but he did not decide, the club made its evaluations of the situation and turned its attention somewhere else, they can't remain without a goalkeeper. I thought Donnarumma would think more of personal happiness than his own wallet, I would have understood that if he said that he did not feel happy at Milan. However, it seems to me that he has never said these words and has always declared his love for the club and for the Rossoneri colors. He even kissed the shirt, if I remember correctly. I wish Donnarumma the best, however, if he had decided to stay, he would have made a qualitative leap as a person, he would have shown that he was not conditioned by vile money."
"I mention a personal example from my experience: when I moved from Parma to Milan in 1987, I signed the contract in white. I learned at the end of the season, after winning the Scudetto, that I was earning less than what I was getting at Parma. Galliani told me and I replied that I was fine with it, because I was happy, I didn't care about the money and, above all, I had no regrets. I had chosen Milan for the project presented, for the emotions it aroused in me, certainly not thinking about money. Money is important, God forbid, they are a recognition of value and professionalism, but they cannot be in the first place when a choice is made."
On where will Donnarumma end up after Milan:
"I can't know that. However, I do know that he is a talented and very good goalkeeper with a lot of room to improve. If he gave his best at Milan because the environment there helped him, then it is not certain that the same thing will happen in a different club, it is a risk."
