Paris Saint-Germain goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma has praised the new sense of unity within the squad following their 2-1 aggregate victory over Arsenal to reach the UEFA Champions League final.
The Italian shot-stopper, who played a crucial role in the triumph, made eight saves across the two legs to keep the Gunners at bay.
Mbappe, who has Cameroonian and Algerian roots, departed PSG for Real Madrid last summer, marking the end of a remarkable spell in Paris that included numerous domestic titles.
His exit has undoubtedly reshaped the dynamics of the French champions, leading to a more balanced team approach.
Reflecting on the team’s transformation, Donnarumma told Prime Video after the second-leg victory, “The spirit has changed, we are much more of a team.
“We play for each other.” He acknowledged the absence of Mbappe, adding, “We miss Kylian, he is one of the best in the world and I wish him all the best because he is a great friend.”
PSG’s resurgence this season has been underpinned by a more collective mindset, with the likes of Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi stepping up to fill the void left by Mbappe.
The two were on target against Arsenal, sealing a crucial 2-1 win that secured PSG’s place in the final, despite Bukayo Saka’s late strike creating a nervy finish.
Donnarumma, who has been a standout performer for both club and country, added, “The team is very united, we’re doing well together.
“We (Italy) won a European Championship like this, it makes all the difference in every team.”
