Nicolò Zaniolo says he had no doubts about leaving Galatasaray for Aston Villa, especially with coach Unai Emery and former Roma director Monchi. ‘I want to play and show my qualities.’
The versatile Italy international can play in numerous attacking roles, including as a centre-forward, a support striker or on either wing.
He completed the transfer on loan from Galatasaray for €5m plus €1.375m in bonuses, with an option to buy that becomes an obligation at certain conditions for a further €22.5m plus €15.5m in add-ons.
Villa will also owe the Turkish side a 10 per cent cut of the sell-on fee.
“I am very happy to be here,” Zaniolo told the official Aston Villa website.
“When director Monchi called me, I couldn’t wait to be here and I can’t wait to play the first game with this shirt for these amazing fans.”
The 24-year-old had two days of medical tests before signing the contract and was reunited with Monchi, whose best move at Roma was to sign Zaniolo as part of the Radja Nainggolan exchange in 2018.
However, Zaniolo must learn to stop using the Italian term for a coach, which is Mister, even if it did originate in England.
“I started in Istanbul yesterday morning, I came here for the medical tests and then to a hotel to stay with my family and friends. Today I met my teammates and spoke to the Mister. I go to see a new property and now I am here.
“Aston Villa is one of the best teams in England and in the Premier League. I want to play and show my qualities. Unai Emery is one of the greatest coaches in the world and it is a big occasion to show my quality, a big chance for the whole team.
“The Premier League is the most important championship in the world and it was my dream when I was young, one day maybe I play in the Premier League. Now I am here and I can’t wait to play.
“The Europa Conference League is a very difficult tournament, I won it with Roma, but this year we have a very good team and I hope we can win it.
“I give 100 per cent, on the pitch, off it and in the dressing room. I know my quality and I hope to show it on the pitch. Villa Park is amazing, the Aston Villa supporters are very passionate and I can’t wait to see them.”