Gianluigi Donnarumma, the esteemed captain of the Italian national team, has vehemently refuted recent claims suggesting that he and his fellow players had demanded a monetary bonus from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC). These rumors circulated prior to a crucial World Cup qualification playoff match—a game they ultimately lost, resulting in their inability to participate in the upcoming global tournament.
“These comments deeply wounded me,” Donnarumma reportedly stated with emotion. “As captain, I have never requested a single euro from the national team.”
Reports had previously circulated indicating that the players sought a €300,000 bonus, intended to be distributed among the 28-man squad, as compensation for qualifying for the World Cup, even before the decisive playoff match was played. This alleged demand sparked considerable indignation across Italy, particularly in the wake of their defeat. Trust in the football federation is arguably at a low point following the Azzurri’s recent struggles to secure qualification for the World Cup.
The Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper clarified the situation, explaining: “What the federation does, in every competition, is to offer a gift to players who qualify for a tournament. That’s all; none of us asked for anything.” He further elaborated, “Our true gift would have been to go to the World Cup. No one requested a bonus; it was simply a customary gift the national team provides if we achieve qualification or win specific trophies.”