Zaniolo: ‘I deserve more at Aston Villa, I miss Italy a lot’

Nicolo Zaniolo complained about his low amount of playing time with Aston Villa and expressed his desire to return to Serie A, claiming ‘the Turkish reality is difficult to understand for an Italian’.

The 24-year-old forward’s career has been in freefall since his decision to force through a move away from Roma back in February last year. He spent six months with Galatasaray, where he showed some positives, before pushing for a move to the Premier League, where he joined up with Aston Villa.

Zaniolo has failed to make a strong impression with the Villans, scoring just three goals and providing no assists in 31 appearances across all competitions. Despite this, he has remained a familiar figure in Luciano Spalletti’s Italy squad and seems likely to make the cut for the European Championship this summer.

Speaking on page two of today’s Corriere dello Sport, Zaniolo first underlined how he’d like to return to Serie A in the summer.

“I miss Italy a lot, my family, my friends, my son… Now, however, it’s up to the clubs to define my future, I belong to Galatasaray. In the meantime, I want to express my gratitude for Monchi, who has once again bet on about me after taking me to Roma when I was 19.”

He was asked about the idea of joining up with Milan, who were interested during his departure from Roma.

“Who knows… I asked my agent to only inform me if there is something really concrete. Certainly, due to what Roma represented for me and out of respect for the Lazio fans, a transfer to the Biancocelesti would be unthinkable.”

Zaniolo commented on his role in the Italy national team and desire to take part in Euro 2024.

“The tour with the national team in the United States went very well, it was an opportunity to get to know each other better and all work together.

“I’m hoping for the European Championship, since I was little, I’ve dreamed of playing in a great tournament with our national team and now I will do the impossible to be called up. My relationship with Spalletti is excellent, I like his playing system and I’m learning a lot.”

He gave his thoughts on coaches Unai Emery and Jose Mourinho.

“I deserve more chances at Aston Villa, but I can say that Emery is one of the strongest coaches, I put him on the same level as Guardiola, Klopp and Mourinho. He is improving me in every aspect.

“I’m sorry for Mourinho’s dismissal, I didn’t expect it, but De Rossi’s positive work doesn’t surprise me, even when he played he was a coach on the pitch, a crazy captain.”

Zaniolo was asked about his move away from Roma last year.

“It was a great story of reciprocated love, but as in life things also end in football. And when that’s the case it’s better to part ways, even if I keep great memories.

“Nothing special happened, the relationship with Roma had broken down and together we decided that there was no point in continuing.”

The 24-year-old touched on the difficulties of life in the Premier League.

“It’s a fascinating and stimulating league, we always work hard and there’s a very high intensity on the pitch, the fans in the stadium have fun but they treat the players with discretion.

“I’m playing less than expected, but I believe that a period of adaptation in a new country is physiological.

“When I arrived, I didn’t even speak English, it was difficult to settle in also because many teammates are married, and I spent a lot of time alone.”

Finally, Zaniolo discussed why he left Galatasaray last summer.

“I gave everything, but even in that case I didn’t leave for a specific reason. It was my first experience abroad, the Turkish reality is difficult to understand for an Italian. Fortunately, however, I found many compatriots. Now we’ll see what happens in the summer.”

Read more about Zaniolo

Zaniolo’s goal celebration explained as Emery makes future hope clear

Zaniolo reveals next target after decisive goal for Aston Villa