Best way to safely download PPSSPP Gold APK on Android?

I’ve been exploring PSP emulation on Android and came across PPSSPP Gold. I understand it’s the paid version with extra features and support for developers, but I’ve seen many sites offering APK downloads instead of going through official stores.

I wanted to ask the community:

What is the safest and most reliable way to install PPSSPP Gold?
Are there any risks involved in downloading APKs from third-party websites?
How can I verify that the APK file is secure and not modified?

Before trying it, I’d really appreciate your advice and recommendations to avoid malware or security issues.

Thanks in advance for your help!