​AC Milan goalkeeper Diego Lopez says he "remained calm" over the snub that saw him displaced by 16-year-old Gianluigi Donnarumma.





The Spaniard claims he took the news with "a lot of tranquility” having been replaced by the youngster after suffering an injury.

Since Donnarumma came in, the former Real Madrid shotstopper has opted to seek treatment for patellar tendonitis, meaning he remains sidelined.





“How did I react?” Lopez considered, speaking to ​Marca. “With a lot of tranquility. I have a lot of confidence in myself and my ability, and I’ll do everything possible to get back and guard the Milan goal.

“I am very motivated, and I’m working hard to recover 100 per cent from patellar tendonitis and come back stronger than before.





“It happened in July after the tour of China with Milan. In the following months I played, enduring the pain, because I wanted to make saves and help the team.





“It wasn’t easy to train and play at the highest level with this type of injury though, and the pain affected my performance.

“When the Coach decided to focus on Donnarumma I thought it was time to begin a specific recovery to solve the problem. I feel much better now.”





Lopez also revealed something about his teammate Mario Balotelli, who he claims has a desire to play for one of the goalkeeper’s former clubs.





“He’s not like he’s painted, he’s done well. You know what? His dream is to play for Real Madrid.”

​​