Galliani: Donnarumma leaving AC Milan? You must be joking

The 17-year-old sensation has been a mainstay in the Rossoneri’s starting XI since making his debut last October, and the club CEO plans to keep things that way

AC Milan CEO Adriano Galliani is adamant teenage sensation Gianluigi Donnarumma will remain at the club for “many years to come” and called his links to Juventus a joke.

Donnarumma has been a mainstay in Milan’s starting XI since making his debut in October last year, with the 17-year-old goalkeeper now seen as the heir to Gianluigi Buffon’s throne in the Italy team.

The shot-stopper’s exploits, again highlighted in Milan’s stunning 1-0 victory over Serie A champions Juventus on Sunday, has no doubt captured the interest of Europe’s biggest clubs.

But Galliani is confident of keeping Donnarumma for the long-term and backed him to serve as Italy’s future goalkeeper.

Asked if he sees Donnarumma as Buffon’s replacement, not only in the national team but at Juve, Galliani responded via Mediaset programme Tiki Taka: “You must be joking. Donnarumma is a Milan player.

“I hope and I’m convinced that he’ll be a Milan player for many years to come.

“I think he’ll be the heir to Buffon in the national team, though Buffon is still a great goalkeeper. Buffon has a contract with Juventus until 2018, he is doing very well.”

Donnarumma has kept four clean sheets this season to help Milan up to third in the Serie A standings, only adrift of second-placed Roma on goal difference, and two behind Juve after nine rounds.