Nicolo Zaniolo was excited to get back onto the pitch against HJK Helsinki following his recent shoulder injury and he reflected on his uncertain summer.
The 23-year-old Italian forward was heavily linked with a move away from the Italian capital over the last few months, with multiple reports suggesting that Juventus were desperate to secure his signature. Despite weeks of uncertainty, Zaniolo ultimately stayed with Roma, remaining a part of Jose Mourinho’s squad.
Speaking in a press conference, Zaniolo first discussed why he tried his hardest to recovery from his recent shoulder injury.
“It’s never good to be out, I experienced it as an injustice. With the shoulder injury I could train, I could do everything but fall. The coach asked me to be available and I felt I was ready to go to Empoli.”
He looked back at his summer and if it was difficult being the subject of transfer market rumours.
“It wasn’t an unusual summer for me, it always seems like I have to leave and then I stay, these are speculations and thoughts you have.
“I still have a year and a half left on my contract to talk about it, it’s not the right time right now because we have HJK Helsinki and Atalanta, I’m focused on the pitch.”
The 23-year-old touched on his growth over the last few years.
“As I’ve said in past interviews, the injuries have made me grow as a man and as an athlete. I feel more mature and more of a man, tomorrow we have to win this match.”
Zaniolo spoke about if his role changes with Paulo Dybala on the pitch.
“It doesn’t change much, I have to attack the depth more, then with Lorenzo and Paulo we can hurt teams. For me it doesn’t change much.”
He gave his thoughts on coach Mourinho.
“I have to thank him because he’s always given me another chance on the pitch, he’s making me grow from a footballing and personal point of view. I’m happy to have him as a coach.”
The Italian forward touched on if Roma’s ambitions matched his own.
“Every year we add one more piece, we’re a strong team and we can have our say in every competition.
“I want to win trophies like every footballer, I’ve already won one fortunately and I want to win more here at Roma.”
Finally, Zaniolo reflected on some of his memories of Finland.
“I played with the Under-19s against them at the European Championship, then I remember it was sunny 24 hours there. I have only positive memories.”