Donnarumma laughs off "nonsense" PSG claims as Pochettino faces tough decision

Italian giant Gianluigi Donnarumma has laughed off "nonsense" PSG selection claims and left boss Mauricio Pochettino with a tough choice.

The Euro 2020 UEFA player of the tournament joined PSG this summer in a sensational transfer from AC Milan.

His final months at AC Milan was fraught, punctuated by fractious contract negotiations that culminated in him leaving for free as his deal eventually expired.

Donnarumma's performances over the summer for a victorious Italian side saw him enhance his reputation as one of the best goalkeepers in world football.

However, since joining PSG, the Italian has been playing second-fiddle to established keeper Keylor Navas, surprising many who felt Donnarumma would be immediately installed as No.1 at the Parc des Princes.

This has led to weeks of talk and speculation that Donnarumma is already unhappy under new boss Pochettino.

Gianluigi Donnarumma was handed his Champions League debut against Man City ( Image:

Icon Sport via Getty Images)

It was said that the Italian was disillusioned to find himself benched after performing so well over the summer.

But the keeper rubbished such claims and laughed off the "nonsense" rumours after PSG's 2-0 Champions League victory over Manchester City.

Talking to Sky Sports Italia, he said: "The criticism of my choice to come to Paris? I just want to laugh.

"I'm happy at PSG, and I laugh when I read all this nonsense about me. It's incredible to play with all these champions.

"There is no problem, there is no type of problem, I'm happy to be here, I have the [club] that always supports me."

Donnarumma was often a bright spark amongst an AC Milan team that dreamt of returning to Europe's top table.

The Italian produced a solid performance to keep a clean sheet ( Image:

UEFA via Getty Images)

Yet Milan's failure to never make it back into the Champions League whilst he was there no doubt played a part in his decision to move on, and he finally made his debut in the competition against City on Tuesday.

Reflecting on his achievement, he said: "This is how I dreamed of my debut in the Champions League, and the dream came true. It was a great match, an immense joy.

"I thank all those who have been close to me, from my father to my mother, to my girlfriend."

Donnarumma looked excellent at City, pulling off a number of key saves as one of their stand out players in a game punctuated by a typically brilliant Lionel Messi strike.

Who should be PSG's No.1 - Donnarumma or Navas? Have your say below.

Keylor Navas and Kylian Mbappe in training for PSG ( Image:

REUTERS)

The towering keeper made seven saves against Pep Guardiola's men and only once during the tie did he look like he might be beaten, but Bernardo Silva somehow managed to hit the bar from just a few yards out.

Despite his good showing, Donnarumma is not expected to become PSG's first choice stopper for a while yet.

He is in competition with Navas, 12 years his senior, who has also been in good form this season and is immensely well-liked at the club.

Donnarumma has only made three appearances so far this season to Navas' eight.

There have been reports that PSG's South American contingent, including Messi, prefer Navas to Donnarumma.

However, even if Donnarumma is not playing right now, the 22-year-old still has a long career still ahead of him at the top of the game.

If Pochettino handles the situation well, he could keep both keepers satisfied whilst gradually easing Navas out and bringing in Donnarumma by increasing his minutes, providing the youngster is willing to be patient.

Either way, it's a nice problem for PSG's manager to have.