Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has addressed the controversy surrounding his involvement in Jamal Musiala`s injury during a recent Club World Cup match. The incident, which occurred during a collision between the two players, has left the Bayern Munich star sidelined for an estimated five months.
In response to criticism from Bayern goalkeeper Manuel Neuer, who suggested Donnarumma was willing to risk injuring his opponent, the Italian goalkeeper stated, “I`m deeply affected by what happened. It was never my intention to harm Musiala.”
Donnarumma`s agent, Enzo Raiola, further elaborated on the incident: “These situations unfold in split seconds. A save can quickly turn into a potential foul. Gigio reached the ball first and couldn`t avoid the collision. It`s unfair to suggest he intentionally sought to injure Musiala, to whom he wishes a swift recovery.”
Addressing Neuer`s comment about Donnarumma walking away from Musiala after the collision, Raiola explained, “Gigio is a highly empathetic person. He couldn`t bear to remain there and chose to step away to allow medical staff to attend to Musiala properly.”
Raiola also revealed that Donnarumma, breaking his usual pre-match routine, sent a message immediately after the incident expressing his distress and reiterating that it was unintentional.
While acknowledging Neuer`s perspective, Raiola noted, “We`re all different and react in our own ways. Gigio himself nearly lost an eye in a similar incident with a Monaco player in December. Even Neuer has been involved in such situations, like the 2014 incident with Higuain during an international match.”
Despite the controversy, PSG has advanced to the Club World Cup semifinal, where they will face Real Madrid on July 9. Donnarumma, who has already secured a treble with PSG this season, including the Champions League, will be looking to add another trophy to his collection.