Pepe Reina, now the new goalkeeper of Aston Villa, confirmed AC Milan’s plans to sell Gianluigi Donnarumma last year.
AC Milan goalkeeper Pepe Reina decided to return to England and join Aston Villa for the remaining of the season. Since his arrival from Napoli, the Spanish shot-stopper has served as the Rossoneri’s second goalkeeper but starter in Cup and Europa League games.
However, this season, with AC Milan excluded from Europa League by UEFA. Reina’s playing time was reduced drastically to only one appearance. Aston Villa do not have an option to buy and at the end of the season the 37-year-old will return at San Siro.
In an interview with Onda Cero, talking about his new adventure in England, the former Liverpool revealed a backstory regarding Donnaruma’s sale last season. “Last year I signed for Milan because they told me they would sell Donnarumma. I should have been the starter according to the club’s plans. Then Gigio remained, so I chose to help him and I did my best to work alongside him“.
Reina therefore confirms what many had suspected upon his arrival. AC Milan signed the Spaniard from Napoli to replace Gianlugi Donnarumma who was very close to leaving the Rossoneri. However, a transfer never materialized with Gigio staying at Milan despite the many attempts of his agent Mino Raiola.
At the end, a few words on the current situation of the Rossoneri: “Milan are in difficulty, the team lack [continuous] results. But I’m sure they will bounce back and return to high levels“.
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