Paris Saint-Germain began their Ligue 1 title defence with a 1-0 victory over Angers on Friday night — but it was events after the final whistle that truly captured the spotlight.
Gianluigi Donnarumma, who was not included in the matchday squad, appeared to bid farewell to the Parc des Princes in an emotional moment with PSG’s ultras that further fuels speculation surrounding his future, as talks over a potential move to Manchester City continue.
Donnarumma joined his team-mates on the pitch following the final whistle, casually dressed in jeans and a hoodie. As the players made their way across the pitch to salute the supporters, Donnarumma was seen chatting with Achraf Hakimi, Marquinhos and Fabian Ruiz.
Then came a telling moment. Hakimi and Ruiz pushed Donnarumma gently forward until he was left standing alone inside the penalty area, directly in front of the Auteuil end where PSG’s ultras are based. What followed was a moving exchange — the ultras erupted into chants of support while Donnarumma applauded them in return, soaking in the ovation.
The 26-year-old stood alone for more than 30 seconds, clapping and waving as the fans responded in kind. His team-mates eventually rejoined him, mobbing him in a show of affection. Donnarumma then climbed over the advertising boards to get closer to the fans and continued applauding, in what appeared to be a clear gesture of goodbye.
The moment comes amid advanced talks between PSG and Man City over a late-window move. Pep Guardiola admitted earlier on Friday that he does not know who his first-choice goalkeeper is, despite insisting last week that Ederson was his number one. The Brazilian missed last weekend’s match against Wolves, officially due to illness, but City are now open to letting him leave with Galatasaray pushing to sign him.
Gianluigi Donnarumma waved goodbye to Paris Saint-Germain after Friday’s win over Angers
Donnarumma was given a warm round of applause by the PSG fans inside the Parc des Princes
The goalkeeper joined his PSG team-mates on the pitch after their opening game of the season
Man City
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Donnarumma has emerged as a prime candidate to replace him, with City officials exploring a deal in the final stretch of the window. Guardiola was notably less definitive when asked about his goalkeeper situation ahead of this weekend’s clash with Tottenham.
‘We’ll see tomorrow, we’ll see who trains good,’ said the City boss. ‘We’ll talk with [goalkeeping coach] Xabi [Mancisidor] and we’ll see. New players always bring energy.’
James Trafford, a £27m summer arrival from Burnley, impressed on his debut last week, but Guardiola is still considering reinforcements.
Italian Donnarumma, a European Championship and Champions League winner, was informed earlier this month that he is no longer in PSG’s plans following the arrival of Lucas Chevalier from Lille. Despite playing a vital role in last season’s treble, Donnarumma has been told to find a new club before the window closes.
Manchester United have also been linked with Donnarumma, with uncertainty lingering around their own goalkeeping situation.
However, senior sources at United have downplayed the likelihood of a move, citing wage demands and Ineos’ broader recruitment strategy focused on younger, more affordable targets.
