Nicolò Zaniolo has picked the No.17 at Galatasaray to honour Muhammed Emin Özkan, a young fan of the club who died in the earthquake that devastated Turkey.
The Italy international has completed a permanent €29.5m transfer to Galatasaray from Roma, picking No.17. He had the No. 22 at Roma, which Berkan Kutlu has already taken at his new club.
Zaniolo explained his decision in his first interview with Galatasaray revealing that he picked No. 17 to honour Muhammed Emin Özkan, a 17-year-old fan who died in the earthquake that devastated Turkey on Monday.
Emin Özkan was excited to see Zaniolo join the team and had posted several messages on social media about the Italy international before his death.
“I am very sorry for Muhammed and the Turkish people. I have given my contribution, let us all do it, and together we will be stronger than before,” said Zaniolo.