Nicolò Zaniolo always felt Atalanta was ‘the most suitable step for my career,’ gives an injury update on the fractured metatarsal and explains why he wouldn’t ‘cancel’ two troubled years at Galatasaray and Aston Villa.
There had been a strong proposal from Villarreal in LaLiga and Fiorentina in Serie A, but the Italy international had his heart set on La Dea and a coach in Gian Piero Gasperini who specialises in revitalising careers.
“As soon as I found out there was interest from this club, I did not want to even hear any other proposals, I did not hesitate to choose this project. This is the most suitable step for my career, everyone knows how good the coach is at getting the best out of young players,” said Zaniolo in a press conference.
“I can play in any role, from centre-forward to trequartista. There is competition for places here, that is part of sport, and I am happy to be part of this strong team. I can’t wait to show what I can do.”
He was forced to miss EURO 2024 with Italy after suffering a fractured metatarsal when playing for Aston Villa, but assures it has now fully healed.
“I’m working morning and afternoon. I was out for almost two months, but the injury is behind me and the fracture is sorted out.”
Zaniolo struggled with Galatasaray and Aston Villa
The 25-year-old is back in Serie A after leaving Roma in February 2023 for Galatasaray, then spending last season on loan with Aston Villa.
It is another loan deal set at €6.4m for one year, with an option to buy at the end of the season for a further €15.5m plus €2m in add-ons.
That is believed to become an obligation if Zaniolo makes 60 per cent of the competitive appearances throughout the campaign.
“When I left Roma, I wanted to have a different experience abroad, as it helps you mature as a person and a player. I felt the need to change. There were a lot of negatives from the last two years, but some positives too. I am not saying I’d like to cancel the last two years. I am happy now to be back in Italy and can’t wait to get started.
“When you change country, leave home, your family, your comfort zone, it does force you to mature. I went to England, where the culture was different, the lifestyle too. The Premier League is different to Serie A, so now I have this experience as a bonus,” continued Zaniolo.
“Patience is fundamental, when someone makes a mistake, they immediately get thrown into the centre of controversy. Bergamo is a place where you are allowed to make mistakes and learn, and the results are there for all to see.”
Atalanta won the Europa League last season, so they will begin this campaign with the UEFA Super Cup against Champions League victors Real Madrid.
“I want to be at 100 per cent for Real Madrid. I made my debut against Real Madrid, but did not score, maybe this time…” smiled Zaniolo.
“Atalanta is one of the best teams in Italy now, but also in Europe. I used to be impressed when facing them for their physicality, their work-rate and fierce pressing. It was like three games in one.”
It’s funny how he still considers himself young. He’s a young man but not a young footballer anymore. Last chance or you’re another Balotelli with much less accomplishments actually.
Hey I’m here to remind anyone if you turn 25 you are no longer a young footballer. You might as well retire and refer to yourself as pops.
“It’s funny how” ha…ha
Oh goody, we have a clown in here 🤡
And qhat has AC Milan done to help develop Italian talennt with a Nazionale focus?
Milanistas need to check themselves as AZ Milan is no longer a source of Nazionale talent pool.