PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma believes his competition with Keylor Navas last season helped him 'grow enormously'.
The Italian shotstopper joined from AC Milan in the summer of 2021 but his arrival meant PSG had two world class 'keepers on the books. Mauricio Pochettino, manager at the time, was unable to choose a number one, meaning both players were able to earn regular game time, with Navas making 26 appearances in all competitions.
However, following Christophe Galtier's appointment as manager, that rotation was ended and Donnarumma was picked as PSG's number one, restricting Navas to just two appearances in all competitions. Nottingham Forest then came calling for Navas late in last month's window, a move which he then completed on deadline day after making it clear he wanted the move due to game time.
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In an interview with L'Equipe, Donnarumma spoke on the dynamic between himself and Navas, claiming that while the two got on well, he felt it was important a clear number one was chosen.
He said: “For me, last season helped me grow enormously, precisely because of these difficulties. It was an experience that brought me; I lived it like that. This year, [Christophe Galtier] gave a clear hierarchy, and I thank him for his trust.
"Last year, the important thing was to try to be ready each time I played. I took it like that; even if it’s difficult, it’s an extra experience that helps you, especially when you’re young.
“Of course, it’s not easy; you have to know how to manage this particular situation. Keylor and I are two good boys, we got along well, but it’s normal that it’s difficult. In management, over time, it becomes complicated. We took it well, him like me, trying to help the team, which is the only important thing.
"It wasn’t just about him or me, but the whole team. It’s normal to make choices at some point. And we had to make a choice, whether it was him or me, it was important for everyone.”
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