Goalkeeper urges teammates and supporters to “bring Italy back to where it belongs”
Gianluigi Donnarumma has revealed he cried after his country Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup for the third time in a row.
Italy were eliminated after losing 4-1 on penalties to Bosnia and Herzegovina in the play-off final. They also missed the 2022 and 2018 editions, with their last appearance at the tournament coming in the 2014 edition in Brazil.
Donnarumma admitted the result had a deep impact on him.
“I cried after the match. I cried because I was so disappointed not to have got Italy where it belongs. I cried because I am infinitely sad, just like the entire Azzurri squad, of whom I am proud to be captain. And I know that you, the fans of our national team, feel exactly the same,” he wrote.
Despite the setback, the Manchester City goalkeeper urged supporters to remain hopeful and back the team moving forward.
“Words are of little use now, that’s true,” said Donnarumma. “But there’s one thing I feel very strongly, and I’d like to share it with you: after this huge disappointment, we must find the courage to turn the page. And that will take a great deal of strength, passion and conviction. Always believe in that; it is the driving force behind progress.”
“Life rewards those ‘who give their all, without holding back. And this is exactly where we must start afresh. Together. Once again. To bring Italy back to where it belongs.”
The 27-year-old won the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain and was part of Italy’s Euro 2020-winning squad, but he is still yet to make a World Cup appearance.
