Roma director Tiago Pinto ‘doesn’t understand’ the controversy around his comments on Nicolò Zaniolo’s future. ‘In an era where Lionel Messi left Barcelona, nobody can guarantee anything.’
The Giallorossi host Genoa in Serie A this evening, seeking a third consecutive victory.
You can follow all the action as it happens from today’s Serie A games on the LIVEBLOG.
Tiago Pinto sparked a firestorm of speculation this week when he declared there was “no guarantee” Zaniolo would still be at the Stadio Olimpico next season.
“I cannot deny I was surprised by all this noise around Zaniolo. After all, we are in an era where Messi left Barcelona, so nobody can guarantee anything,” Tiago Pinto told DAZN.
“Zaniolo is one of the main players at Roma, he has a contract until 2024. I am here to learn, but it’s a situation I just don’t understand. I am glad the fans did not twist my words the way the media did. I won’t talk about Zaniolo anymore.”
Roma made January signings with Sergio Oliviera and Ainsley Maitland-Niles on loan, the midfielder making an immediate impact with two goals in as many games.
“Sergio Oliveira has the characteristics we needed and the right personality to help the team.”
The Giallorossi are targeting a top four place, but it might be tricky with Juventus strengthening so much in the window.
“We have four months with many games ahead of us. We like this team and can do better going forward,” concluded Tiago Pinto.
Roma, Pinto su Zaniolo: “Nessuno può dire che un giocatore non sarà ceduto. Non ne parlo più” https://t.co/OM9JsUEBu4
— TUTTOmercatoWEB (@TuttoMercatoWeb) February 5, 2022