"Discussion on the subject of harassment or mistreatment"
Gianluca Donnarumma's agent, Enzo Raiola, has expressed his dissatisfaction with Paris Saint-Germain's handling of the goalkeeper's situation. In an interview on "Radio Sportiva," Raiola criticised the club for demoting Donnarumma, whom he views as a significant contributor to PSG's success, including their first Champions League win in 2025.
The controversy began on 11 August 2025, when Donnarumma was left out of the squad for the UEFA Super Cup following the arrival of Lucas Chevalier. This unexpected move prompted Donnarumma to announce his departure from the club the following day.
Raiola suggested that the club's decision to replace Donnarumma with Chevalier, who is yet to prove himself at the same level, was a lack of respect towards Donnarumma. He argued that if renewal talks were underway, it implied that Donnarumma was still part of PSG's plans, making his sudden sidelining contradictory.
Chevalier, who came from OSC Lille, is considered a cheaper and more footballing alternative to Donnarumma. However, Raiola believes that the club removed Donnarumma from the squad to avoid putting him in competition with Chevalier.
The Super Cup final, won by PSG (4:3 against Tottenham Hotspur), was played with Chevalier as the number one goalkeeper. Despite a major blunder in regular time, Chevalier pulled off a crucial save in the decisive penalty shootout, earning him praise from coach Luis Enrique.
Enrique, who signed Chevalier during the summer, expressed his happiness for the new recruit at a press conference. However, he is aware of the potential issue Donnarumma's shadow could cause for Chevalier.
Raiola described the situation as "bullying" and "a huge lack of respect." He also suggested that Donnarumma's demotion had significant effects on his sporting performance and image.
Despite Raiola's comments, Donnarumma, who has significantly more successes and experience compared to Chevalier, is currently ahead of a potential move to Manchester City. It remains to be seen how this transfer will unfold and if Donnarumma will have the last laugh in this controversial saga.
- Gianluca Donnarumma, who was instrumental in Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League win in 2025, is currently ahead of a potential move to a new club, Manchester City, despite being demoted from the squad following the arrival of Lucas Chevalier.
- Enzo Raiola, Donnarumma's agent, criticized the demotion of his client, suggesting it was a lack of respect towards a significant football contributor and contradicted any implied renewal talks, as Donnarumma was sidelined to avoid competition with Chevalier, a cheaper alternative.
