Young AC Milan Star Reveals Which Fellow Goalkeeper He Wants to Emulate Throughout His Career

At 17 years old, AC Milan's Gianluigi Donnarumma has his entire playing career in front of him.

The goalkeeper has already established himself as the undisputed number one choice at the San Siro, and has often been hailed as the next Gianluigi Buffon, given how he compares to the veteran Juventus shot stopper.

It is a different keeper, however, that Donnarumma revealed that he would love to emulate - and both Milan and Italy fans might want look away now as it is neither a previous custodian of either his club or national side.

Speaking to Milan TV (via GiveMeSport), Donnarumma said: I have done better than last year with the ball at my feet, working hard on that in training.

When the opponent runs at me, I can sometimes dribble away. Being good with your feet is important in modern football.

I try to imitate Manuel Neuer, who practically acts as the fifth defender when starting moves.�

It shouldn't be that surprising of a choice in all reality. Neuer is arguably the world's best current keeper - though Manchester United's David de Gea may have something to say about that - and the Germany international has won countless awards and trophies due to his undoubted talent.

Neuer has been voted the IFFHS' Goalkeeper of the Year on four successive occasions, has been voted UEFA's Goalkeeper of the Year for three years running and currently boasts 15 different winners' medals for Bayern Munich and Germany.

Not a bad role model to want to emulate eh, Gianluigi?

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.@gigiodonna1 has faced three penalties this season.
Goals - 0
Saves - 3

He's only 17. pic.twitter.com/gehKx3RlUc