Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is hopeful AC Milan fans won’t give him a hostile reception when he returns to San Siro for the Nations League semi-final against Spain on Wednesday.
Donnarumma joined Paris St Germain in July after six seasons at Milan, where he made 215 league appearances.
Milan newspaper Il Giornale hinted that some fans have not forgiven the 22-year-old’s departure, saying Donnarumma will have to “ward off boosIn San Siro, if he enters the field against Spain.
“I’m excited, Milan and AC Milan are an important part of my lifeDonnarumma said at a press conference on Monday. “JI’m excited, hope there is nothing (negative from the fans). I will always be a Milan fan.”
“I always gave everything to Milan, until the end. If something like that happens, I would also be sorry because this is a very important game, a Nations League semi-final, so I hope the fans can help us.“
“We are here in a semi-final of the League of Nations, a competition that is close to our hearts“.
Donnarumma has only three of nine Ligue 1 games early for PSG this season, but has played down any rumors of a break-up with his new club and any detrimental effect a lack of playing time could have on his selection for the national team. .
“There is no problemDonnarumma added. “I’m in Paris to play, it’s okay to have some of these things (don’t start) at the start.“
“I’m sure everything will be fine, I have no problem for the national team. I continue on my way, I hope everything can go well. “
Just after Italy’s success at Euro 2020 in July, where Donnarumma was named player of the tournament, Italy is hosting the Nations League tournament which begins on Wednesday.
The Azzurri face Spain in Milan before Belgium face France in Turin in the second semi-final on Thursday. The winners will face off in the final on Sunday. Italy beat Spain on penalties in the last four of Euro 2020.
“Spain are the same team we faced in the European Championship. We will improve on situations where we could have done better last time around, ”added Donnarumma. “It won’t be an easy match, during the European Championship, it was difficult. It took a lot of ourselves to get by. Even now we will need to be 110% to beat them.“