Nicolo Zaniolo’s father reveals that while the midfielder will sign a new contract with Roma, Juventus and Inter are the only Italian sides who can afford him.
Zaniolo left Inter for Roma last summer, as part of the deal that sent Radja Nainggolan the other way, but dad Igor is not ruling out a return to San Siro for the Italy teenager.
“Some time ago my son came here [to the family bar in La Spezia] and he couldn’t even have breakfast,” he told Tuttosport.
Nicolo Zaniolo’s father reveals that while the midfielder will sign a new contract with Roma, Juventus and Inter are the only Italian sides who can afford him.
Zaniolo left Inter for Roma last summer, as part of the deal that sent Radja Nainggolan the other way, but dad Igor is not ruling out a return to San Siro for the Italy teenager.
“Some time ago my son came here [to the family bar in La Spezia] and he couldn’t even have breakfast,” he told Tuttosport.
“Despite this outcry, Nicolo has remained humble, keeping his feet on the ground.
“He’s never had any major flaws: he appreciates fashion, even if he always goes around in overalls. He probably doesn’t realise what he’s doing and it’s lucky that he doesn’t!
“The comparisons with Pogba, in terms of characteristics, are there: Nicolo is an all-rounder too.
“Obviously, this is while in keeping with the right proportions: Pogba is a world champion, my son is only a kid.
“I’d say I have to thank Mancini the most. The CT is the one who accentuated my son’s journey, then Di Francesco was brave enough to start him at the Bernabeu against champions like Modric and Kroos.
“I’d like him to become a champion. And I wouldn’t mind seeing him play with the best, that is, one of Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Mbappe and Neymar.
“But above all, whether it’s at Roma or Los Angeles Galaxy, he hopes that in the coming years, he’ll start winning trophies.
“He’ll renew with Roma. He’s fine there, he’s at a big club and he’s grateful to the club and his teammates: especially the most senior players, from Dzeko to De Rossi and Florenzi. They’re helping him grow a lot.
“There’s a continuous coming and going of agents, but it’s part of the game. Despite his renewal with Roma, my son will be linked with so many teams.
“First of all, we hope that Roma qualify for Europe. Even without it, it’s not a given that they’ll sacrifice my son.
“I think the club want to bank on him. If not, we’ll weigh up any offers that come our way.
“Given the figures being bandied about, I don’t think there will be many teams. In Italy I think there would only be Juventus and Inter.
“We have an open mind in the event there are talks between clubs. We’ll see in the summer.
“Now Nicolo’s priorities are the Champions League and then the European Under-21 Championship.”