Nicolo Zaniolo has confirmed his intentions to return to Roberto Mancini’s Italian national team once he regains consistent form in Turkey with Galatasaray. 

The 23-year-old spoke of his desire to get back to playing international football to Gazzetta in a feature Interview published on Sunday morning. 

The former Roma attacker cited his lack of game time over the last few months as the reason he was left out of the squad to face England and Malta in the most recent round of Euro 2024 qualifiers. 

Zaniolo explained that his omission was: “Because I’ve been out for three months and I need to work. 

“I spoke to Salsano, the deputy coach, who told me not to worry and that I’m being followed and when I’m good, things will come naturally,” he said. “I would like to be there for the Nations League finals. I care a lot about the national team, there is nothing more beautiful than representing Italy.

“I’m doing a lot of specific training sessions to get tougher in front of goal.”

Zaniolo also added speculation to the ongoing cycle of transfer rumours that are already linking him with a return to Italy after less than three months away with Galatasaray. 

He told Gazzetta: “It is obvious that I cannot guarantee that I will stay in Turkey for five years, but as long as I am here I will always give my best.”

For the time being however, Zaniolo’s focuses lie solely with helping his current club side achieve the maximum they are capable of before the end of the season. 

He has found a temporary home in Istanbul, a city in which he is enjoying living and whose fans treat him with a great deal of respect. 

“It’s a city that thrives on football,” he said. “Yet the fans are always kind and respectful, even when they ask for videos and selfies. The stadium is incredible. I’ve never played in a more passionate one, it’s at least equal to the Olimpico. When I scored my first goal I felt like I was flying.

“We are a great group with an excellent coach, Okan Buruk, who luckily for me also speaks Italian. If Galatasaray were playing in Italy, they would be in the European places because there are so many strong players. I’ll just tell you that Icardi, who is one of my partners in attack, is one of the best centre-forwards around.”

Zaniolo has high expectations of his teammates, aiming for a domestic double and qualification by the end of the season. 

His goals are: “Winning the league, the Turkish Cup and qualifying for the Champions League. We want it all.”

https://www.gazzetta.it/Calcio/Campionati-Esteri/26-03-2023/zaniolo-non-so-se-restero-turchia-roma-miei-ex-compagni-mi-hanno-deluso-460839639539.shtml

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