Having won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain last May, 26-year-old goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma left the Parisian club for Manchester City the following month. In an interview with the newspaper L’Equipe, the Italian goalkeeper reflected on that success, which marked his career and the history of the Parisian club.
Donnarumma: “We managed to make the match easier than expected”
“Until this year and this final Champions League victory, there were always doubts and the question: could PSG win the Champions League with Donnarumma? Were you aware of these doubts that surrounded you?
Yes. Let’s say that what allowed us to succeed was keeping the group united. We focused on each match, without letting ourselves be distracted by external factors. We stayed focused on ourselves, on the task at hand. There were difficult moments, but we overcame them together with great strength, to reach that moment that everyone saw.
We won that important final against Inter, a difficult match, even if the score was heavy (5-0). Inter is a great team, one I know well, one we all know. We prepared very well and we managed to make the match easier than expected. I am truly happy to have made history in Paris.”
Donnarumma: “It certainly wasn’t thanks to me, but thanks to the entire team”
“What did it feel like to finally be decisive for PSG in the Champions League? It was thanks to you, that qualification…”
“Thank you, but no, it wasn’t just thanks to me, it was thanks to the team, because they had an incredible season, giving their all in every match, always working hard to achieve these results. It certainly wasn’t thanks to me, but thanks to the entire team, because without them, we go nowhere.” The important thing is to have a close-knit, strong, united group, where everyone supports each other. If a teammate makes a mistake, another one rushes to help. That’s the way it is. It’s essential for creating a cohesive team and for winning.”
A fantastic season for Donnarumma, undoubtedly highlighted by this Champions League success. While he remains humble, most Paris Saint-Germain fans would agree that he contributed significantly to this victory. This was particularly evident during the knockout stages, where the Parisian goalkeeper made several crucial saves.
Even though this chapter is now closed, Gianluigi Donnarumma will forever be part of the club’s history. He will always be remembered as the goalkeeper who helped PSG win its first Champions League title. His commitment to the team and his role as a teammate also contributed to this Parisian triumph on the European stage.
