Gazidis believes exit was Donnarumma's choice and reveals Milan are on 'good terms' with Raiola

CEO Ivan Gazidis has revealed his belief that Mino Raiola is not to blame for the breakdown in talks over Gianluigi Donnarumma’s renewal.

Donnarumma’s contract with Milan expires next month and it seems almost certain now that he will leave the club after nine years both in the Primavera and in the senior side. The 22-year-old is in agent Mino Raiola’s hands with Barcelona, PSG and Juventus all mentioned as possible destinations.

Gazidis gave an interview to il Corriere dello Sport during which a number of topics were discussed, and he was also asked about exactly how the Donnarumma saga went down, with his comments transcribed by MilanLive.

“I don’t want to reveal the details, nor the timing, and I don’t know the boundaries of the relationship between Gigio and Raiola. In the end, of course, the decision is always the player’s,” he said.

“What I can say is that Gigio was an exceptional professional, every single day, and in the last match against Atalanta there was no one happier than him for qualifying for the Champions League. I have an absolute esteem for him, as well as respect his choices.”

There has been speculation that the breakdown in the relationship between the two parties could lead to Milan trying to become ‘Raiola-free’ by trying to rid themselves of his clients, but Gazidis denies it is the case.

“No negative feeling. He did what he thought was best for him, and there are a few reasons on his side, but I don’t say which ones. Biding farewell to Raiola’s clients? No, it is not our goal. We have no problem with Raiola, we are on good terms.”