Fans of the Rossoneri endured another trophyless season, but the emergence of 17-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma has given supporters some hope of a bright future
Silvio Berlusconi has issued a hands-off warning to clubs chasing AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, following his outstanding breakthrough season.
Impressing at a pre-season training camp in China, Donnarumma was awarded his competitive debut against
Sassuolo last season, when the Rossoneri recorded a
2-1 victory.
After featuring 30 times in
Serie A for Milan, top European clubs have expressed an interest in signing the Italian. Barcelona has been just one of the clubs reportedly interested, according to El Mundo Deportivo.
AC Milan teenager meets his idol
The past and the future of AC Milan were in evidence this week as Gianluigi Donnarumma posted a photo with Nelson Dida on his official Instagram account.
Interview: Donnarumma ready to change AC Milan fortunes
The youngster is eager to continue his development with the Rossoneri, as he eyes the captain’s armband down the line. Interview by Mimmo Malfitano of La Gazzetta dello Sport
Despite a season of ups and downs after making an unexpected foray into
Serie A with
AC Milan, teenage sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma has remained a shining light for the Rossoneri’s future.
An appointment to the senior squad by Sinisa Mihajlovic in October led the towering goalkeeper to a solid 30 appearances for the club this season, and culminated with a narrow
Coppa Italia defeat to
Juventus at the Stadio Olimpico.
The bitter loss ended what was another disappointing season that failed to earn European competition for the Diavolo, but the 17-year-old believes that he has a lot more to offer next season to help restore former glories.
The defeat in the Coppa Italia final has cast doubts over the club’s rebuilding plans.
“We are all still upset over the outcome of the final, we did our best and we deserved more. I can’t explain why we didn’t play like we did against Juventus for most of the season. It was probably a question of mentality.”
How do you assess this season?
“For me it was still extraordinary. To begin at my age in Serie A is not something that happens to everyone. The tips from Christian Abbiati and Diego Lopez have been invaluable, I’m happy to have shared this experience with them. Of course, I was also hoping for a call to the
Italy team. I worked towards this dream until the last moment, but I’m happy to have made my debut with the Under-21 side and to know that Luigi Di Biagio is counting on me. My personal goal is to continue getting better and for Milan return to Europe next year, we will see.”
If you were to look forward in the distant future, what do you imagine?
“Maybe to still be with Milan, with the captain’s armband. It would be the culmination of a dream that I’ve had since I was a boy.”
There is widespread talk about you as the future heir to Gianluigi Buffon. That responsibility isn’t so bad wouldn’t you say?
“I don’t know what to say, but I admit that his compliments are the ones that make me the happiest.”
There is talk of Milan’s change of ownership to Chinese investors, what do you think?
“I just cannot imagine a Milan without Silvio Berlusconi. I like the idea of a young Milan side with many Italians.”
You come from Castellammare di Stabia, just a few kilometers from Napoli. Are you disappointed that they didn’t win the Scudetto?
“Napoli are a great club and one of the best in our league. They did very well, but the defeat in Turin showed that the Bianconeri were determined to overtake them. Juve continued to the end with their winning streak and nobody had been able to match it.”
