DBasia.news – The departure of Gianluigi Donnarumma is very painful for AC Milan because he is a product of the club’s academy. But the player’s decision can be understood Paolo Maldini.
As is known, Donnarumma chose to leave Milan last summer on a free transfer. The 22-year-old goalkeeper refused a contract extension offered by management.
Donnarumma then accepted the proposal of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG). The salary factor is considered to be the main reason for the decision.
Donnarumma and Maldini happen to have almost similar career paths. Both are original products of Milan and made their debut in the first team at a very young age.
However, Maldini finally chose to be loyal to Milan until he hung up his boots. Even though he was also being chased by many clubs.
Even so, Maldini could understand Donnarumma’s way of thinking. Therefore, the man who now serves as technical director of the Rossoneri does not hold a grudge against his juniors.
“Gigio is a great and soulful person. And I believe that in an ideal world, the only true motivation of a footballer is passion,” Maldini told Sette.
“But if your goal is to get an increase in social status and money to give to your family, which tightened their belt for you in your childhood, that’s also motivation.”
“To achieve certain results and status as a player, sporting motivation is very important,” he added.
The salary factor behind Donnarumma’s decision to accept PSG’s proposal was not proven. His wages with Les Parisiens turned out to be less than the amount Milan offered.
Ironically, Donnarumma’s decision to choose PSG ended in disaster. He is now having a hard time grabbing the core position because he is competing with Keylor Navas.
Maldini already knew about Donnarumma’s condition. Even so, he refused to give an assessment.
“It could be that the needs of the players do not match the needs of the club. Some can wait, some are in a hurry,” said Maldini again.
“It’s not up to me to judge certain options.”