After having rejected Milan’s renewal offer, Mino Raiola hosted an interview on Sunday afternoon to explain why he took the decision regarding Donnarumma. Quotes down below are from PremiumSport’s interview.
What’s behind the decision not to renew with Milan?
“A situation too hostile and violent that had been created, which you couldn’t get out of. Gigio was threatened, the family was threatened: Threats of not playing, death threats, banners never removed from the management and passive behaviour against us.
“It was never an economic matter, if there are two parties that want to find a solution they’d have done it. I definitely would have found a way to satisfy the parties, but we never went into those conversations.”
Did Milan handle Donnarumma in the right way?
“They [Milan management] handled a top player like Donnarumma wrongly, they were too exuberant.”
Was the idea to get to know Milan’s project more before renewing?
“Yes, but I had already assured Milan that we would not leave for free. Donnarumma had made his mind up; he wanted to stay. However, it was a threatening situation.”
Are there other offers from big clubs, namely PSG, Real Madrid and Man Utd?
“Donnarumma has had a lot of offers since he was 14-years-old, if he wanted to leave, then he could have done so a long time ago. But no, we have no agreements with another club. The way Milan treated Donnarumma was not right.”
Let’s talk about Mirabelli then. Was he the reason that negotiations failed?
“I speak only of Milan, but then you know Mirabelli was the man who led these negotiations. I take responsibility for the decision.
“Between me and Mirabelli there was no feeling, we are on totally different waves. His attitude as a director is unacceptable.”
Is there any possibility that you would re-open negotiations?
“I have nothing against Milan, the relationship with Fassone is excellent and they could have talked to us if they wanted, but now they have made their choice. We were forced to decide on the 13th and we did so.”
But now they are looking for another goalkeeper…?
“They have every right to look for a new goalkeeper, that’s not our problem.”
Isn’t it a big risk, that Gigio might miss one year?
“Yes, it is a major risk. If he will be judged for his quality, then he will certainly not miss this year. However, there could be other factors in this situation that leads to the manager not starting him. Of course, then he will miss this year.
“For me, it’s is bullying, if you threaten a player to remain in the stands for one year.”
