Manchester United star Paul Pogba defends AC Milan contract rebel Gianluigi Donnarumma after Italy U21 fans shower him with fake money

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Manchester United midfielder Paul Pogba has leapt to the defence of Gianluigi Donnarumma after the AC Milan and Italy goalkeeper was subjected to abuse from his own fans this week.

The 18-year-old left Milan in a state of shock after deciding not to extend his contract with the club. With just a year remaining, he now looks likely to leave the San Siro in the current transfer window.

As a boyhood fan of the club, Donnarumma was expected to be a pillar for Milan's new owners to build on and his decision to quit has been widely cited as a classic example of money over loyalty.

Paul Pogba has defended Gianluigi Donnarumma despite his recent decision to leave Milan

Pogba has backed the teenage goalkeeper to become the best in the world soon

Pogba, however, says the goalkeeper deserves respect for what he has done in his short career and has tipped him to become the best in the world.

He wrote: 'Donnarumma soon best in the [world]. Deserves only respect for all he's done until now.'

The France international has never played with Donnarumma, but the two appear to share a close relationship having both broken through in Serie A at a similar time. They also share an agent in Mino Raiola, who is being labelled as key to Donnarumma's recent decision.

Wads of fake money were thrown at Donnarumma during a recent Italy U21 match in Poland

A ball boy was tasked with scooping up and removing all the fake cash from the goalmouth

Milan are already on the lookout for replacements with chief executive Marco Fassone admitting they are interested in Genoa stopper Mattia Perrin.

'Perin's a possibility, especially if he's solved his physical problems,' he told Sky Sport Italia.

'At the moment, Mirabelli's considering a long list of goalkeeper and he'll need two more days to whittle it down to the two most appropriate names.'

Meanwhile, it appears Pogba sent his message of support from Hong Kong, where he is continuing a mini world tour as part of his summer break from the Premier League. 

Pogba shows a custom-made Hong Kong minibus emblem reading 'Pogba and Hong Kong'

Pogba poses for photographs with local young soccer players during a promotional event