Nicolò Zaniolo has boarded the private jet taking him to Istanbul to complete the Galatasaray transfer, leaving Roma for circa €15m plus add-ons, posing with the agent who negotiated the deal.
The Giallorossi gave the all-clear this afternoon and Zaniolo posed for the picture with intermediary George Gardi on the runway of the airplane.
The player then posted a picture on Instagram Stories from inside the jet, with a very familiar pose. It is the one often used by Roma coach Jose Mourinho on the social media channel.
He had also spoken to Sky Sport Italia as he left his hotel in Milan, telling the reporters: “Yes, we’re on the way. Hugs to everyone.”
Zaniolo had fled his house in Rome after receiving threats from ultras, who were angry that he had put in a transfer request and refused to play for the team.
When the transfer deadline passed without a deal for Milan, Tottenham or Bournemouth, Zaniolo was forced to look further afield and accepted a move to Galatasaray.
It is for considerably less than Roma had been hoping for, at €15m plus up to €7m in various add-ons, while the player will earn €3.5m net per season plus bonuses.
There are reports this includes a release clause set at €35m for a return to Italy from this summer.