Zoff ‘surprised’ at Donnarumma situation as PSG goalkeeper heads for exit | OneFootball

Legendary Italian former goalkeeper Dino Zoff has said he is “surprised” at PSG’s decision to push Gianluigi Donnarumma out of the club, as the former Mantova, Napoli and Juventus shot-stopper claims “PSG’s success in the Champions League is partly down to him.”

Speaking to ANSA, via the Corriere dello Sport, Zoff also made the point that “Donnarumma will not become a problem for Gattuso” in the Italian national team and disregarded criticisms of the keeper’s footwork as “just excuses, if a goalkeeper plays well with his feet, all the better, but you have to start from the basics – that is, to save.”

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JULY 13: Gianluigi Donnarumma #1 of Paris Saint-Germain looks on during the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 Final match between Chelsea FC and Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium on July 13, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

Zoff praises Donnarumma’s ‘notable contribution’ to PSG success

Zoff added, “From what I’ve seen, he won the Champions League with a notable contribution. More than that, even.”

PSG lifted the Champions League for the first time last season when the Parisian side defeated Inter 5-0 in the final. Donnarumma played a big part in the final and throughout the competition, noticeably producing several big saves to help his side overcome Arsenal in the semi-finals.

“I do not understand what could have happened, especially since his contribution was first-rate,” Zoff said, “The situation is so unclear, as is the reason for such a serious decision. Of course, I am surprised. Perhaps there are reasons related to contracts or renewals but I have no specific information.”

MUNICH, GERMANY – MAY 31: Gianluigi Donnarumma of Paris Saint-Germain celebrates after Desire Doue of Paris Saint-Germain (not pictured) scores his team’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League Final 2025 between Paris Saint-Germain and FC Internazionale Milano at Munich Football Arena on May 31, 2025 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

Donnarumma future up in the air

PSG have completed the signing of Lucas Chevalier an intend to start the 23-year-old as their number-one goalkeeper this season. Speculation linking Donnarumma away from the Ligue 1 champions has further snowballed in the wake of Chevalier’s arrival and Manchester City and Bayern appear to be leading the race for the former Milan keeper.