Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 7y

AC Milan goalkeeping coach proud of 'devastating' Gianluigi Donnarumma

AC Milan and Italy goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma is set to become "even more devastating," his coach has said.

Alfredo Magni, Milan's goalkeeping coach, hailed the attitude of the 17-year-old, who is approaching both his 60th appearance for the club and his 18th birthday at the weekend.

Magni told Il Corriere della Sera he was proud to watch the teenager's progress and said there was more to come.

"If there is just a tiny, tiny contribution I have made to this, then I am proud of it," he said.

"The thing that makes me most proud, though, is to see what kind of a person he is becoming.

"He's level-headed, has respect, is disciplined and sensitive towards others. He's mature not because he's turning 18, but because he's already been mature for a long time -- he's ahead of his age.

"He just needs to develop more physically and, as soon as his growth is over, he's going to be an even more devastating athlete."

In the 16 months since making his debut against Sassuolo as a 16-year-old, Donnarumma has established himself as one of the world's most coveted keepers.

He is tipped to succeed Gianluigi Buffon as the next Italy No. 1, having already become his understudy.

As of his birthday on Saturday, he will be able to sign his first official professional contract.

His current agreement with Milan, on youth terms, expires next summer and Europe's top clubs are reported to be monitoring developments.

Magni, however, stressed that Donnarumma had not mentioned the possibility of moving elsewhere and added: "We've never discussed it.

"It's not for me to say, but I'm not concerned. We have so much fun and all I can do is ensure he keeps on enjoying himself."

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