Gianluigi Donnarumma reduced to tears as AC Milan ultras unfurl banner demanding he 'get out'
AC Milan's highly-rated goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma was reduced to tears after club supporters unfurled a vast banner telling him to leave the club.
The 18 year-old had to be consoled by defender Leonardo Bonucci as he was harangued by home fans before and during AC Milan's 3-0 Coppa Italia victory over Verona on Monday night.
A 100ft banner criticising Donnarumma was unfurled by fans before kick-off, causing the Italy international to break down in the dressing room as Milan's players returned from their pre-match warm up.
Reports in Italy have suggested Donnarumma is involved in a contract dispute with the rossoneri and has instructed his agent, Mino Raiola, to help him secure a move away from the San Siro in January.
The huge banner, which stretched across three sections of the San Siro, explained fans had 'lost patience' with the youngster.
The banner read: "Moral violence, 6 million per year and the signing of a parasite brother? Now get out, the patience is over!"
The 'parasite brother' refers to Donnarumma's 27-year-old sibling and fellow goalkeeper Antonio, who joined Milan from Greek Super League side Asteras Tripoli in the summer but has not yet played this season.
Newly-appointed head coach Gennaro Gattuso leapt to the defence of his young goalkeeper as Milan booked a quarter-final clash with city rivals Inter.
"He's an 18-year-old kid, of course he was shaken," Gattuso told Rai Sport. "I can only thank him for what he's doing. For his age, he's the best goalkeeper in the world right now.
"You can tell from his face he's not happy, but I have known a great athlete and great kid. He will have my protection, for all the protection I can give.
"If the club says it doesn't need to sell anyone, nor wants to, then why should we even talk about this? I respect the fans, but people need to understand whether 'Gigio' really does want to go or if he wants to stay. I can say I'm working with a great athlete and professional."
Gattuso continued: "I am the coach of Milan, so I can talk about the lad, the athlete, but nothing else. 'Gigio' has not told me personally that he wants to leave. If he did, that would be different.
"I'm not talking about Mino Raiola, because I speak to 'Gigio' every day. I don't know if Mino is trying to push players away from the club either.
"I feel terrible about this, as people are painting a kid as if he's a monster and he doesn't deserve it. Fortunately, there were only 9,000 people in the stadium tonight. Imagine how it would feel if there were 50,000 insulting him."
AC Milan are seventh in the Serie A table despite having spent over £200 million in the summer transfer window.
