Buffon backs Donnarumma amid goalkeeper criticism

Former PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Buffon, who said that leaving PSG was the biggest mistake of his life, has thrown his support behind Gianluigi Donnarumma (24) following a series of errors that have garnered intense scrutiny.

Donnarumma has consistently been blamed for several goals conceded in recent weeks, with mistakes against AS Monaco and Newcastle United already placing pressure on Les Parisiens No.1, the pressure that only escalated after his reckless and bizarre kung fu move that earned him a red card against Le Havre. Despite Donnarumma's red card, PSG won the match 2-0 and extended their lead at the top of the Ligue 1 table.

Buffon suggested, in an interview transcribed by L'Equipe, that these errors would not faze his compatriot, "I think Donnarumma has developed thick skin when it comes to constant criticism and doubts about himself. I believe that when you're considered one of the top three goalkeepers in the world, it becomes normal for every mistake to lead to this kind of controversy."

It's not surprising that Buffon is defending a player who was once seen as his successor, especially when the former goalkeeper understands better than most the intense demands that come with being PSG's goalkeeper.