Gianluigi Donnarumma wants to become “best in the world” and has revealed that he loves “the adrenaline” he gets from being the Milan goalkeeper.
The Italy international has kept 10 clean sheets in 24 games this season and was a key member when Stefano Pioli’s men kick-started their season after the winter break.
He is looking ahead with big ambitions and hopes that he can make the difference also for the Azzurri in Euro 2020 this summer.
“I want a big European Championship and then I want to become the best goalkeeper in the world,” he told Rivisita Undici. “My passion has always been to be in goal. What I like most about this role is the adrenaline.
“You have to trust the defence; you are the first to be trusted in the team. You must be solid.
“At the beginning I was shy, everyone was bigger than me. Now I’m one of those who have been at Milan for longer. I know I have an important role; I make myself heard.”
But life hasn’t always been easy for Donnarumma at San Siro and the controversial saga regarding his contract situation made for a tense relationship between him and the Rossoneri faithful.
The young keeper admitted it was “difficult” but has claimed he never “feared” them.
“It’s difficult to play when the fans are against you, when they boo you,” he added. “San Siro is San Siro, but I was never afraid.
“I knew who I am, I knew what I could do. I had zero fear. It all seems normal to me; I think that’s what keeps me at this level.
“I do things, saves, and they seem normal to me. And then I like to command, I am happy to do it.”
Donnarumma revealed that his first Derby della Madonnina against Inter will always be his greatest memory in the Milan shirt.
“It’s undoubtedly the most important memory, even if the games against Inter generally generate great emotions,” he said. “The adrenaline is a thousand, the heart races at two thousand, I want to win, I want to play well.”
Donnarumma will most likely sit out against Genoa this weekend and his injury will pave the way for Asmir Begovic to claim his first start since the move to Milan.
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