AC Milan goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma says his €170 million price tag will not change him.
Donnarumma, 17, is back on international duty with Italy, where he says he is learning from experienced keeper Gianluigi Buffon, and while speculation continues to mount about him leaving the Rossoneri, he insists he is not letting anything distract him.
"I just look to work my very best and be humble, because being humble is the most important thing," he told Rai television.
"[Buffon] has given me so much in these two spells with the national team and I always try to pick up tips from him, by watching him. I'm learning a lot from him -- he relaxes me and we joke together and get on really well."
Donnarumma's agent, Mino Raiola, said last November that the Italian is worth €170m and in September he tipped him to be the best goalkeeper in the world.
"I've heard all of the things [Raiola] says, but I'm just focusing on working and not thinking about these things," Italy's youngest debutant goalkeeper said. "I just try to enjoy myself because enjoyment comes first and foremost. I train day after day and then we'll see.
"At the moment, I'm thinking of Milan and trying to do well for Milan, giving everything in training and games for these colours, then we'll see."
Donnarumma explained that the most precious source of advice he receives from his own family.
"My mamma always tells me to remain humble all the time -- it's the first thing she tells me each time I see her," he said.
"I've never had any tattoos or piercings. I've got a girlfriend in Castellammare [di Stabia, an area of Naples] and I need to thank her too because she always helps me and is by my side."
Ben Gladwell reports on Serie A, the Italian national team and the Bundesliga for ESPN FC, UEFA and the Press Association. @UEFAcomBenG.
- 17 years old.
- €170 million price tag.
- €170 million price tag.