Maldini confirms Giroud signing, regrets Donna exit

AC MILAN director Paolo Maldini confirmed yesterday that Chelsea’s French centre-forward Olivier Giroud was set to arrive in Italy while regretting the loss of goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma to Paris

Saint Germain.

“Olivier should arrive in Milan tomorrow,“Maldini said at the unveiling of the Serie A calendar for the 2021-2022 season.

The 34-year-old World Cup winner is reported to be set to sign a two-year contract worth €3 million (RM15m) per season with the Serie A runners-up, who open next season at Sampdoria.

“He’s a champion, not only with the national team, he’s done great things with Chelsea, won the Champions League,“continued Maldini.

“He’s a very reliable player and that’s what we’re looking for. We have a young team and we need players with this experience.”

Meanwhile, Maldini said there was “a bit of regret” at losing Italy’s Euro 2020 winner Donnarumma who is joining PSG on a fiveyear deal.

“Gigio remains an important loss for us even if we have bought a great goalkeeper,“said Maldini.

“The fact that the story is interrupted hurts. With Gigio the past was very beautiful, but the future fascinates me more.”

The 22-year-old heads to France on a free transfer and will be in competition with the experienced Keylor Navas for the goalkeeper’s jersey.

“I am delighted to be part of this huge club,“said Donnarumma in a statement released by

PSG.

“I feel ready to take on this new challenge and continue to grow here.

“With Paris, I want to win as much as possible and to bring joy to the supporters.”