Arrigo Sacchi has revealed his thoughts on Gianluigi Donnarumma’s stance of leaving Milan, just a day after Mike Maignan arrived in Italy for his medical.
Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport (via MilanNews) in an exclusive interview, Sacchi commented on his disappointment of seeing the promising young shot stopper leave San Siro.
Sacchi sounded particularly unhappy over Donnarumma’s decision of not renewing his contract and said: “I can’t hide my sorrow. If he was happy with Milan, the club that made him grow and valued him, then he had to stay. In life, it is important to show gratitude towards those who gave you an important chance and this was an opportunity to demonstrate it. Also, the club had offered him a rich contract. So I ask myself: why go away? Why force the situation?”
The legendary tactician also brought up names of two players, who he cited as examples of non-fulfilment after they managed to leave the Rossoneri in search of ‘greener’ pastures.
He said: “There are examples, which are quite significant. I am talking about the cases of Shevchenko and Kakà. The first, for the money, decided to go to Chelsea. The second, again for economic reasons, chose Real Madrid.
Sacchi emphasized on the fact that both Kaka & Shevchenko never hit the heights they were expected of after leaving Il Diavolo. “Both failed. Leaving a place where you are loved is always a risk. I, frankly, do not understand how you can leave the certain for the uncertain in the name of money,” he said.
Coming back to the goalkeeper, Sacchi reiterated: “I thought Donnarumma chose thinking more about the personal happiness than the wallet. I wish him the best. However, if he had made another choice, and that is if he had decided to stay, he would have made a qualitative leap as a person: he would have shown that he was not conditioned by money.”
The 22-year-old goalkeeper will part ways with Milan, as confirmed by technical director Paolo Maldini. Donnarumma has made 251 appearances for the Rossoneri so far, debuting at a tender age of 16, six years ago.
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