Just what Pep needs: Luis Enrique writes off Gigio as his PSG spell comes to abrupt end

Gianluigi Donnarumma has confirmed his departure from Paris Saint-Germain in an open letter, just hours after L'Equipe reported that the Italy goalkeeper had spoken with Pep Guardiola and agreed to join Manchester City.

If finalised, the move would unite one of the world's leading goalkeepers with one of its most dominant clubs. City are now working on a strategy to approach PSG in a way that avoids paying what is expected to be a substantial transfer fee. Donnarumma, 25, has one year left on his contract, a gross annual salary of €10m, and a market value estimated at €40m.

Gigi not registered by PSG, City is monitoring

The split comes in the same year PSG lifted their first Champions League title - a season that will also be remembered as the one in which relations between club and player broke down. Contract renewal talks had stalled for more than a year, with Donnarumma unwilling to accept a pay cut under sporting director Luis Campos's revised financial model.

PSG, meanwhile, moved to sign Lille's highly-rated goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier in a deal worth up to €55m, signalling the end of Donnarumma's time in Paris. The situation became public when the Italian was left out of the squad for the UEFA Super Cup clash against Tottenham Hotspur (Wednesday, 10 pm).

Deja vu - goalkeeper whose gloves stick to money

Manager Luis Enrique told reporters:

"Donnarumma is out of the squad solely because of my decision. I take 100 per cent responsibility. I want a different type of goalkeeper. That said, he remains one of the best in the world."

Shortly afterwards, Donnarumma released a statement to PSG supporters:

"From my first day here, I gave everything - on and off the pitch - earning my place and defending PSG's goal. Sadly, someone has decided I should no longer be part of the team or contribute to its success. I am disappointed and disheartened. I hope I will have the chance to look the fans in the eyes one last time at the Parc des Princes and say goodbye properly. If that is not possible, please know your support and passion mean everything to me and I will never forget them.

"To my team-mates - my second family - thank you for every battle, every laugh, every moment we shared. You will always be my brothers. Playing for this club and living in this city has been a tremendous honour."

Donnarumma joined PSG from AC Milan in 2021 and went on to make 161 appearances, conceding 156 goals and keeping 56 clean sheets. With just a year remaining on his deal, Manchester City are understood to be exploring a move, with Guardiola reportedly keen to make him the long-term successor to Ederson.