Gianluigi Donnarumma’s agent responds to criticism from Manuel Neuer about reckless play that led to Jamal Musiala’s horror injury

Gianluigi Donnarumma’s agent, Vincenzo Raiola, has commented on the Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) goalkeeper's challenge on Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala. The French outfit emerged victorious by a 2-0 scoreline against their German opposition in this FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final clash.

However, there has been much controversy surrounding the challenge that led to Musiala's injury. Bayern Munich goalkeeper Manuel Neuer slammed the Italian shot-stopper, claiming that he did not have to go out in the manner he did.

He said (via ESPN):

"A situation where you don't have to go in like that. That's risky. He's willing to accept the risk of injuring his opponent."

"I went up to him and said, 'Don't you want to go over to our player?' It's only right to go over and wish the guy well. He did that in the end. Fairness is always important. ... I would have reacted differently."

Reacting to Neuer's comments, Raiola said (via Tribuna):

"It was a game incident in the eternal duel between goalkeepers and attackers. He sent me a message saying he was shaken and that he didn’t do it on purpose."

Musiala has suffered a leg fracture from the incident and will be out for a lengthy period, Bayern Munich confirmed in a statement following this match. The player was also flown back to Munich from Florida for further treatment.

The Italian will have to put the incident behind him and focus on the semi-final against Real Madrid, which is scheduled for Thursday, July 10.

Real Madrid goalkeeper comes out to defend Gianluigi Donnarumma after Manuel Neuer's comments on Jamal Musiala injury

<a href='https://www.sportskeeda.com/player/thibaut-courtois' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer'>Thibaut Courtois</a> — Thibaut Courtois

Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois came to Gianluigi Donnarumma's defence after Manuel Neuer attacked the Italian for his collision with Jamal Musiala in the Club World Cup.

The Belgium international, 33, is also an experienced campaigner who has represented top clubs, including Real Madrid and Chelsea. Speaking to reporters, he said (via GOAL):

"Blaming Donnarumma for Musiala 's injury seems excessive to me. Goalkeepers go for the ball. Forwards don't hold back when they get in our way either. It's bad luck. It will hurt him more because he's on his team, but Donnarumma isn't to blame."

Donnarumma has enjoyed a rather successful season with PSG so far, winning the UEFA Champions League and Ligue1. In the Club World Cup, he's played five matches, conceding just one goal and keeping four clean sheets.

About the author

Rahul has been a European football journalist for Sportskeeda since 2023. A B.B.A. L.L.B. graduate, he captained his university football team and also played for Boca Juniors Football School during his initial years, and also coached his university's girls team. He always aims to translate his tactical awareness, knowledge of the sport and first-hand experience into well-researched articles for his readers.

A follower of the beautiful game since 2014, Rahul is an avid Arsenal and a match-going Bengaluru FC fan. His favorite footballer is Mesut Ozil due to his love for nimble-footed playmakers, while his favorite manager is the legendary Arsene Wenger owing to the Frenchman's attractive style of football.

Rahul, whose favorite FIFA World Cup moment is Lionel Messi lifting the trophy in 2022, has interviewed grassroots expert Tom Byer in the past and gained insight into Japanese football. He also believes Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland can rule the footballing world and take Ronaldo and Messi's place.

When he is not writing, Rahul likes to spend his time playing football, following the Indian Super League and watching other sports. He is also a huge cricket fan and supports Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

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Edited by Rahul Naresh