Italy international Nicolò Zaniolo feels he changed during a six-month spell at Galatasaray and insists Premier League football suits him better than Serie A.
Zaniolo joined Aston Villa on an initial loan deal with an option to buy from Galatasaray last summer. He had moved to Turkey from Roma in February, scoring five goals in 12 games with Gala.
“I didn’t expect [to join Aston Villa] because I was part of the project at Galatasaray,” the Italy international told Sky Sport Italia.
“However, from the moment Monchi, my ex-director at Roma, called me, I took the chance because it was a great opportunity to play in the Premier League, in a great team, and show what I could do. As soon as he called me, Galatasaray and I understood the opportunity was too big, so I came here.”
Monchi had already brought Zaniolo from Inter to Roma in 2018, including him in a player-plus-cash swap deal for Radja Nainggolan.
“Monchi was the first real director in my professional career. He brought me from youth football to professional football, so I have to thank him,” said Zaniolo.
“He wanted me at Roma and everyone knows what I achieved there.”
The Spanish director is working closely with coach Unai Emery who immediately impressed Zaniolo.
“Emery said he liked me, so I was really happy. He is one of the best coaches, and we immediately spoke about the group ad about football as soon as I came here,” revealed the Italy international.
Zaniolo had never left Italy before his move to Galatasaray and feels his time in Turkey did change him.
“Yes, it may sound like a cliché, but [in Rome] I was staying home with people I knew and my family. I’ve grown personally and in footballing terms, it was a life experience that will be useful in the future,” he argued.
Zaniolo has made five appearances across all competitions with Aston Villa this season and started in last week’s 1-0 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, completing more dribbles than any other player during the game.
By the look of it, Nico seems to be enjoying his time in England.
“Training facilities are a little more advanced than in Italy. Football is very different here. It’s more tactical in Italy, while here it’s more physical, with more one vs. one, it’s different. I like both, but I think the Premier League suits me better.”