Jose Mourinho confirms Nicolò Zaniolo ‘wants to leave Roma, but I get the feeling he will be here come February 1, because the offers are unworthy of him.’
It was a relatively easy three points for the Giallorossi at the Stadio Alberto Picco, as Paulo Dybala provided assists for Stephan El Shaarawy and Tammy Abraham either side of the half-time break to beat Spezia 2-0.
“When it’s 2-0, the result is always open. Last season we had a negative experience with Juventus, this year positive with Milan,” Mourinho told DAZN, referring to the comeback from 2-0 down to draw 2-2.
“However, I felt calm on the bench. We played well with possession and our positional play. It was an easy game, but that’s because we did well to make it seem easy and keep it under control.”
Inevitably, the questions were about someone who was not in the stadium, as Zaniolo put in a transfer request and asked not to be included in the squad for this game.
He had already missed the Coppa Italia win midweek, officially due to a stomach bug, but that was already the start of his movement away from the club.
“The director spoke about that, I think he did it well,” said Mourinho.
“The important thing is that we won and played as a team. I have my opinion and my sensation that come February 1 he will still be here. I realise Nicolò wants to leave, but that is what I feel.”
Would the Special One and Roma accept Zaniolo back into the fold if he changed his mind?
“He said he wants to leave. But that doesn’t mean he will leave. I say this because he is an important player and has an important value on the transfer market. The offers on the table are unworthy of him or the club. There’s nothing out there. This is why it is my sensation he will be here in February.”
It is widely reported that Tottenham Hotspur and Milan would only take Zaniolo on loan with an option to buy for €25m, whereas Roma want guarantees of a sale.
If Zaniolo does indeed stay at Roma, then how will Mourinho deal with picking the Italy international as part of his team?
“I play whoever deserves it. Every now and then, some injustice must be done, as today there were people on the bench who deserved to play, but I always try to do what is best for the squad. If Nicolò is still with us, he will be an extra player to have.”
Mourinho’s comments seem to suggest that whatever split has happened between Zaniolo and Roma, it does not involve a row with the coach.
“We have a great rapport. I always tried to help him, he responded with the maximum effort. I defend those who give their best and I will therefore always be by Nicolò’s side.
“He wants to leave and I have to accept that. However, where is the proposal that can give something extra to our squad? If someone leaves, someone else has to come in.
“If Zaniolo goes for six months, we won’t get anything in exchange. That would be unacceptable. I am sorry also that Tiago Pinto is made to be the bad guy in this, because he is not, he is just trying to defend Roma.”
There were reports today that Roma had approached Chelsea for Hakim Ziyech or Udinese for Gerard Deulofeu as potential replacements for Zaniolo.
“I read some names in the papers, but we are not thinking about anyone, because to be honest I don’t think anything will happen.”
He should get a better agent. Now it will be nothing but awkward for him if he has to go back to play for a team he has openly said he wants to leave.
25m, are you stupid? he’s worth 40m
and, Zaniolo….
You forgot who made you who you are right now?
You want to leave Roma?
what a selfish player
wrong timing to leave, selfish decision afterall