Alexandre Letellier, Paris Saint-Germain’s goalkeeper between 2020 and 2024, rubbed shoulders with Gianluigi Donnarumma, PSG’s 26-year-old current keeper, during his debut for the Red and Blue. Today, the Italian is praised for his XXL season, which contributed to his Champions League success, but the former Milanese has also come in for some harsh criticism. In an interview with RMC Sport, Letellier looked back on those more difficult times for Donnarumma, when the French and Italian press were relentless in their criticism.
Letellier “He discovered the Champions League in Paris”.
“I found the media very harsh when they were critical of him because it’s not easy. We had the impression that he was never going to be left alone, that when he went to the national team or the club, everyone was always on his back.
I think we also forget that he was young – and still is – when he arrived in Paris. If he started playing at such an early age, it’s precisely because people saw potential in him. At Milan, that’s what happened. He discovered the Champions League in Paris, so it’s also a milestone to pass.”
Letellier “You can see that he’s been more than present at important moments for the club.”
“What’s a little complicated to judge is that he still had enormous room for improvement, despite all his talent, his young age, his experience and the fact that he’d already won the Euro. He has improved his footwork and aerial release. His main qualities are his great reflexes and the stature he has despite his two-meter height. You can see that he’s been more than present at important moments for the club.”
Without a great Donnarumma, PSG would never have achieved their European and domestic objectives. But we still remember that after the 0-1 defeat to Liverpool in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16, the Italian keeper came under fire from the critics. In the end, it was the second leg and his heroic penalty shoot-out that really put him over the top.
Today, after his incredible season, Gianluigi Donnarumma is inevitably viewed in a different light. But unfortunately, soccer is a cruel game, and if he performs badly, the critics will come back again. As was the case for Keylor Navas, Salvatore Sirigu and many others. Realistically speaking, however, we can only conclude that Donnarumma is one of Europe’s top 3 goalkeepers.
