UEFA vice president Zbigniew Boniek, a former Roma striker strongly criticises Nicolò Zaniolo and the ‘people around him’, saying that if he doesn’t change his attitude ‘he will create problems everywhere.’
The former Roma and Juventus star released an interview in today’s edition of Il Corriere dello Sport, so before the news that Bournemouth had offered €30m plus add-ons for the Italy international emerged.
“Zaniolo is young and has great potential, but the problems are people around him, those who tell him what to do and make wrong decisions,” said the ex-Poland international.
“This, to me, is the biggest problem and it I am sad for him. Nicolò has great qualities and he has proved it after the double knee injury. But, while you can heal from a muscle, knee or foot injury when the problem is in the head, then it all gets more complicated.”
Zaniolo wants to leave Roma in the January transfer window and was omitted from the Giallorossi squad for their 2-0 win over Spezia on Sunday.
He had been booed by Roma fans at the Stadio Olimpico in a Coppa Italia match against Genoa one week earlier.
“You can tell that the lad is not serene, you can see it on and off the pitch. He must have a better attitude, and change the way he thinks and does things,” continued Boniek.
“He can do it at Roma, Mourinho has already said that he is ready to work with him if he stays at Trigoria. I hope he will make a step forward because he can still do well.”
The Giallorossi coach has always defended Zaniolo saying that he trains properly and that he is ready to work with him again if he doesn’t leave the club in January.
Milan are also interested in the Italy international and the latest reports in Italy claim the striker has put talks with Bournemouth on hold, hoping for Roma to reach an agreement with the Rossoneri.
Nevertheless, Boniek insists that the 23-year-old must change his attitude regardless of his next club.
“If he has decided not to play for Roma, then it’s better if he’s not involved. The problem remains the same, if he doesn’t change his attitude, then he will cause problems in any club,” he said.
“What matters the most is that the situation won’t affect Roma who are doing well in 2023.”