Italy international Nicolò Zaniolo has confirmed he could leave Galatasaray this summer and there is one absolute favourite. ‘I have been a Juventus fan since I was a kid and my idol was Paul Pogba.’
The former Roma man left in February for Galatasaray, as all the other options had been closed to him with the transfer window slamming shut, but the Turkish market continued for a few more days.
“I want to keep in shape and be in good form for the Champions League preliminary round with Galatasaray in July,” Zaniolo told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
“I am happy in Istanbul and will play the Champions League. However, if an offer comes in by the end of August that is a good opportunity for Galatasaray and for me, then we will take it into consideration.”
He has been linked with Milan, Napoli and Fiorentina, but the 23-year-old finally confirms what had been rumoured for a very long time, that he has his heart set on the Old Lady.
“I am open to anything, including staying at Galatasaray. Obviously, Juve are Juve, even without the Champions League or other international tournaments.
“I have supported Juve since I was a kid, my idol was Pogba. Playing at Juve would make me very happy. We are talking about a big club.
“I repeat, if the opportunity makes all three happy – Galatasaray, me and Juve – then it is very welcome. Otherwise, I am happy in Turkey. I am not going to create expectations for myself, whatever happens will be fine.”
Pogba is not the only draw, as his good friend Moise Kean also plays for the Bianconeri, having been constant companions at youth level for Italy.
“Moise is basically a childhood friend, a great striker and often underestimated. Many people don’t know him and judge him without reason. I’d love to play with him, whether it’s at Galatasaray or Juve.”
Zaniolo made the move in February and helped Galatasaray to win the Turkish Super Lig with five goals in just 10 games.
“I’ve been helped to settle in quickly and discovered an incredible love for football here. I still get goosebumps if I think of the atmosphere after I scored twice in the derby with Fenerbahce. Winning the title was also great after the Conference League with Roma, so I hope it can become a habit.”
The rapport with Roma seemed to break very suddenly and there was no fixing it, especially when it was reported that he refused to play.
“Roma was an important period of my life, with some great moments and others not so much, but I will be eternally grateful to the fans. I hope Roma can win a great deal in future.
“I haven’t spoken to Jose Mourinho since then. I know he cares about me, as he always asks Sergio Olivera – my teammate at Galatasaray – how I’m doing. I will always be grateful to Mou.
“Last year, before the game with Empoli, I was depressed as I hadn’t scored in five or six games. He took me to one side and said relax, today you will score. And that’s what happened. Mourinho is incredible, he can see what’s going to happen before it does.”