Gianluigi Donnarumma’s Unusual Reception: Fake Money Cascades during AC Milan vs. PSG Match
“Hundreds of fervent AC Milan supporters displayed their disapproval by showering Gianluigi Donnarumma with counterfeit banknotes prior to the Champions League fixture against Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday.
Donnarumma, who had been with the Rossoneri since the age of 14, accumulated over 250 appearances for AC Milan across all competitions. However, when the accomplished Italian goalkeeper declined to renew his contract with his childhood club, a contract reportedly valued at £130,000 per week, his legacy was somewhat marred.
The 24-year-old proceeded to see out his contract with Milan before joining Paris Saint-Germain in Ligue 1 on a free transfer in 2021. Donnarumma, widely regarded as one of the premier goalkeepers in world football, found himself facing his former club in the Champions League on Tuesday.
Prior to kick-off, he was met with a hostile reception during his highly-anticipated return. AC Milan’s ultras expressed their disapproval by symbolically pelting Donnarumma with counterfeit currency, emphasizing what they perceived as his act of betrayal.
‘Dolla-rumma’ 💰
AC Milan fans ‘make it rain’ with fake bank notes over PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma in protest at him moving for the money… 😳#UCL pic.twitter.com/2QrtpchZlT
— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) November 7, 2023
In addition to these banknotes, which bore messages like “Mercenary,” “Man without honour,” and “Dollarumma,” some Rossoneri supporters sported t-shirts featuring the number 71. This number is believed to signify a “man with no values” in Neapolitan tradition.
Away from this fake money incident, the Champions League Group F match got off to a tumultuous start. Milan Skriniar scored the opener for Luis Enrique’s side just nine minutes into the game, but Milan’s forward, Rafael Leao, promptly netted a spectacular equalizer.”