Gennaro Gattuso defends 'shaken' Gianluigi Donnarumma after AC Milan fan abuse

Ultras at Milan’s 3-0 victory over Verona in the Coppa Italia displayed a banner reading “Our patience is finished” in response to reports that the 18-year-old hoped to leave the club, leaving him in tears ahead of kick-off.

Gattuso told Rai Sport: “He’s an 18-year-old kid, of course he was shaken.

The youngster was involved in a protracted contract saga ahead of the season’s start and his agent, Mino Raiola, is reported to be looking into cancelling Donnarumma’s recent contract extension. However, Gattuso had nothing but praise for his player, and said he was not aware of any desire on his part to leave the club.

"If the club says it doesn't need to sell anyone, nor wants to, then why should we even talk about this? I respect the fans, but people need to understand whether Gigio really does want to go or if he wants to stay. I can say I'm working with a great athlete and professional.

"I'm not talking about Mino Raiola, because I speak to Gigio every day. I don't know if Mino is trying to push players away from the club either.”

Speaking out against the abuse, Gattuso said he would do his best to protect his player and added: "I feel terrible about this, as people are painting a kid as if he's a monster and he doesn't deserve it. Fortunately, there were only 9,000 people in the stadium tonight, imagine how it'd feel if there were 50,000 insulting him."