Donnarumma reveals why he returned to dressing room before Liverpool penalties, hits back at critics | OneFootball

Italy captain Gigio Donnarumma says some ‘so-called’ French journalists criticise him without knowing what it means to be a goalkeeper and reveals he returned to the dressing room before the penalty shootout to prepare with the goalkeeping coach.

Gigio was the MOTM in PSG’s win over Liverpool last night.

Donnarumma saved two penalties in the shoot-out after a 1-1 aggregate draw, allowing the Ligue 1 giants to qualify for the quarter-finals.

“I’m happy with the team’s performance. We knew how to suffer,” Donnarumma told Sky Sport Italia.

“We knew that coming here and playing in this stadium wouldn’t be easy, with an exceptional and very passionate crowd. It’s always tough to come here and overturn the 1-0 from the first leg. I think the team played a great match. We had to suffer, but the team managed to do that, and I’m happy that we won and advanced to the next round.”

Donnarumma reveals why he returned to dressing room before Liverpool penalties, hits back at critics

epa11942886 PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma warms up before the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, 1st leg soccer match between Paris Saint-Germain and Liverpool FC, in Paris, France, 05 March 2025. EPA-EFE/YOAN VALAT

Donnarumma returned to the PSG dressing room for a few minutes after extra time.

“I had prepared something with the goalkeeping coach; it was right to go over some things before going out and hoping to save a few penalties,” he revealed.

A French pundit criticised Donnarumma last week when PSG dominated the first leg but lost 1-0, with Liverpool’s only shot on target.

“I see a lot of criticism from some so-called journalists, who speak without knowing what it means to be a goalkeeper,” Gigio replied.

“In the first leg, we conceded one shot on target and one goal, and they thought it was my fault. That’s fine. I always work hard, try to smile, and give my best to help the team.”

Donnarumma has kept nine clean sheets in 30 appearances with PSG this season, conceding 28 goals.

The Azzurri captain has already made 70 international appearances. His contract with PSG expires in June 2026, and talks to extend his stay at the club are ongoing.