Why AC Milan fans despise the 'other' Donnarumma as well
- Matthew Klimberg
Two years later, he is now the subject of unrelenting criticism by the same fans who once hailed his ascent. Strangely, their jeers are not a result of his performances on the pitch, but controversy surrounding his financial relationship with AC Milan.
One of the main criticisms from the fans is a perceived hypocrisy from the precocious keeper. It centers, not on him but, around his older brother, Antonio. Also a goalkeeper, Antonio occupies the third spot on the AC Milan depth chart, yet pulls down a €1 million salary.
His move to the San Siro this past summer was orchestrated by superagent Mino Raiola, who used Antonio’s contract to sweeten the €6 million per year contract extension Gigio signed with the Rossoneri. However, fans see the ‘other’ Donnarumma as a prime example of what many feel ails Italian soccer, and a move away from the meritocracy Gigio seemed to have ushered in.
Their anger boiled over last night as they created a banner criticizing Gigio for being greedy, in which they called Antonio a ‘parasite’. Having only one Serie A appearance to his name – the final match of the 2012/13 season for Genoa – and coming from Greek club Asteras Tripolis, fans are infuriated that he’s earning so much money and is blocking the path of other young, talented hopefuls, like Gigio once was, from moving up AC Milan’s depth chart.
If there is a split between Gigio and AC Milan this summer, it will be interesting to follow the fate of his brother.