His decision comes after the French and European champions’ coach, Luis Enrique, left the Azzurri goalkeeper and captain out of the squad to face Tottenham Hotspur in Wednesday’s European Super Cup.

In a farewell post, the 26-year-old thanked the “special Paris fans”.

“Unfortunately, someone has decided that I can no longer be part of this group and contribute to the team’s success. It’s a decision that leaves me disappointed and bitter,” he wrote.

Enrique took full responsibility for the decision on the eve of the final against Tottenham in Udine.

“He’s one of the best goalkeepers in the world, no doubt about it, and an even better person,” Enrique said.

“But that’s the life of top-level footballers. I’m 100 per cent responsible for this difficult decision. If it were easy, anyone could do it. These decisions are about the profile of goalkeeper my team needs.”

Dino Zoff, the 1982 World Cup–winning goalkeeper and captain, expressed surprise at Enrique’s move.

Speaking on Tuesday, Zoff said he was puzzled by the omission, given Donnarumma’s pivotal role in PSG’s Champions League triumph.

The Italian stopper had delivered heroics against a string of English clubs: Liverpool, Aston Villa and Arsenal, before shutting out Inter Milan in a 5–0 win in the May 31 final.

Rumours have circulated that Donnarumma might seek a move away from Paris, as he once did from AC Milan. With decades of experience as both player and coach, the 83-year-old Zoff told ANSA:

“I don’t understand what could have happened, especially because his contribution was paramount. The situation isn’t clear, nor the reason for such a serious decision. PSG’s Champions League success is also thanks to him. Of course, I’m surprised. Perhaps there are contract or renewal issues, but I have no specific information.”

Zoff added that he isn’t worried about Donnarumma’s future.

“I don’t think he’ll be out of action for long - he could go somewhere else. There’s no danger he’ll lose his starting spot for the Azzurri due to a lack of minutes. For me, that’s not an option. He’s a reigning European champion. A solution will be found.”

Zoff also dismissed criticism of Donnarumma’s limited footwork.

“I don’t think that’s an issue, it’s an excuse,” he said, “If a goalkeeper plays well with his feet, all the better, but you must start from the basics: making saves.”

Asked to rate Donnarumma’s season, Zoff replied, “From what I’ve seen, he won the European Cup with a notable contribution.”

On Wednesday, Donnarumma’s former teammates flooded social media with tributes. Kylian Mbappé posted a simple heart emoji. Ousmane Dembélé wrote, “Thank you for everything, number one” and added three hearts.

Désiré Doué posted, “El mejor, thank you Gigio”, while Portuguese goalkeeper Vitinha wrote in Italian, “Thank you so much, Shisho.”

Achraf Hakimi commented, “One of us”, Presnel Kimpembe said, “Great Gigio”, Warren Zaire-Emery posted, “Thank you, Gigio” and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia thanked his “brother”.

Captain Marquinhos had already paid tribute before the Super Cup press conference in Udine.

“I’m very proud of what we’ve done with Gigio, of what he’s achieved,” Marquinhos said. “We thank him from the bottom of our hearts. He’s been a great leader throughout his years with us.”

In France, Le Figaro Sport dedicated its front page to the Donnarumma case, noting that the goalkeeper said goodbye with a message “full of class and respect”.

ANSA