Coach Jose Mourinho and director Tiago Pinto effectively confirmed Nicolò Zaniolo will never represent Roma again, even if he fails to agree a transfer, as Milan plan another offer. ‘I want people who want to play.’
The Italy international has been frozen out ever since he put in a transfer request, although it was more of a self-freezing, seeing as he refused to be called up for the games against Spezia and Napoli.
Before tonight’s 2-1 defeat at the Stadio Maradona, director Tiago Pinto confirmed that Zaniolo has rejected the offer from Bournemouth, despite it being the only ‘solution’ to his current predicament.
“Now everyone knows what happened. Nicolò asked the club to leave, along with his agent we tried in every way to find a solution, this solution arrived and might not Nicolò might not be very happy with the solution,” Tiago Pinto told DAZN.
“We’re all in a difficult situation now, because he put in the transfer request and with all the Financial Fair Play parameters we have around us, we cannot afford to just accept Zaniolo saying no and us signing a replacement.
“There are 48 hours to go in the transfer window, we’ll see what happens, but it is truly a difficult situation for the club and everyone.”
Mourinho was asked if Tammy Abraham limped off with a muscular injury during the 2-1 loss to Napoli or if it was cramp, but even if it does prove to be serious, there is still no way back into the squad for Zaniolo.
“First of all, I don’t know if it was an injury or fatigue. I want people like that, who want to play for Roma, who push through pain and fatigue to play,” the coach told DAZN.
“When you are not happy in a family situation, you have to leave, you have to find a solution. Family is for those who want to be there.”
DAZN also report that Milan will try again to sign Zaniolo on loan with an option to buy, a formula that Roma rejected already, but with the clock ticking down the situation could change.
Shooting themselves in the foot. Respect for Zaniolo.