Milan dismiss speculation Gianluigi Donnarumma demanded the signing of his brother during contract renewal
Milan dismiss speculation Gianluigi Donnarumma demanded the signing of his brother during contract renewal
Milan sporting director assimiliano Mirabelli has insisted the signing of Antonio Donnarumma wasn’t made simply to appease his younger brother, Gianluigi, and convince him to stay with the club.
Milan confirmed that Antonio had returned to the club on Wednesday, just a day after announcing that his sibling Gigio had put pen-to-paper on a new four-year deal at the Italian side.
In the weeks prior Gianluigi Donnarumma’s future looked far from certain after it was reported he had told Milan he wouldn’t be signing a new deal, with the old contract due to expire next summer, leading to speculation he could depart the San Siro.
With his older brother back in Milan though the 18-year-old has extended his stay with the club, but Milan officials are keen to stress that signing the 27-year-old Antonio Donnarumma was not done at Gianluigi’s insistence.
Milan sporting director Mirabelli has made it clear that coach Vincenzo Montella had been persuaded to bring the older Donnarumma back to the club prior to the contract issues with Gianluigi due to his ability.
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That, combined with the idea of having both brothers, was behind Milan’s move for the Asteras Tripolis player.
Speaking at the double unveiling of the two Donnarumma goalkeepers Mirabelli said: “The first thing we had to do was to renew Gigio’s contract, but I immediately had the idea of bringing in his brother Antonio too.
“I know him well and so much has been said about his arrival, but the truth is that I really wanted him, to bring the family back together.
“Still, the technical evaluation comes first and I think Antonio can be a 12th man for Milan. He’s not a postage parcel like someone said. I’m sorry for him if certain things have been written. Montella also endorsed this signing.
“There are no winners or losers in this renewal, we wanted to keep him but only under our conditions. I’m proud to present the Donnarumma pair today.”
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