Zaniolo explains why he forced his move out of Roma
In explaining his choice to force a transfer out of Mourinho's squad, Nicolo Zaniolo revealed that his treatment by the Roma hierarchy led to his decision.
The 23-year-old left Roma for Galatasaray during the Turkey transfer window, days after the close of the window in the top five leagues, after an acrimonious saga that saw him reportedly threaten legal action against the club.
Zaniolo's exit from Roma
Zaniolo had communicated to the Roma board his displeasure and disinterest in continuing to play for I Giallorossi, forcing a move out of the club.
22:15 - 08.02.2023
OFFICIAL Zaniolo signs for Galatasaray
Zaniolo joins Galatasaray after spending three-and-a-half seasons with Roma.
17:51 - 30.01.2023
TRANSFERS Sevilla join race to sign Roma’s Nicolo Zaniolo
The Italy international could join the Spanish side before the transfer window shuts after asking to leave Roma.
He was subject to several transfer links, with Leeds, Sevilla, Tottenham, and Milan, among others, making moves for him.
However, an agreement between Roma and those clubs could not be reached. However, Bournemouth managed to come to terms with the capital club, but Zaniolo turned down the offer, which met strong displeasure among Roma faithful.
“Due to not accepting to go to England, I was criticised and the supporters turned against me. Some chased me by car, others came to my house,” Zaniolo explained.
21:11 - 01.02.2023
SERIE A Zaniolo to lawyer up against AS Roma
The 23-year-old is set for a legal battle with the club after he refused to leave before the transfer window closed.
“My family was also scared because we felt alone. At the time, I turned off my cell phone because I received threatening messages."
Zaniolo gives reasons for Roma exit
The Galatasaray midfielder explained that Roma stalled on offering him a new contract because they viewed him as a sellable asset.
15:48 - 26.03.2023
'A great person'- Italy star on ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho
Nicolo Zaniolo speaks on his relationship with ex-Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.
He revealed he had been making promises for two years that a contract for him was ready, saying he would have agreed to sign for little more than his wages at the time as he knew I Gillarossi's financial situation, but the offer, according to him, never came.
“I could talk for hours about broken promises. I was told I was a star, but I was always considered just a capital gain. After so much talk, I got tired.”
If I have to reflect on my goodbye, I think others should too.
"For two years I was told that the new contract was ready. In January of last year, I would have signed for a little more than I had already earned, because I was fine in Rome and knew there were problems with Financial Fair Play."
Zaniolo has a €35 million release clause in his current Galatasaray contract, and his return to the European top five leagues could be imminent.
Related content
15:48 - 26.03.2023
'A great person'- Italy star on ex-Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho
Nicolo Zaniolo speaks on his relationship with ex-Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho.
10:49 - 22.03.2023
TRANSFERS Jose Mourinho set to replace Carlo Ancelotti as new Real Madrid coach
AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho is reportedly in talks to become Real Madrid's new coach, and the Portuguese could arrive as early as this June.
10:16 - 20.03.2023
SERIE A Mourinho and Lazio president to be investigated after dressing room bust-up
Jose Mourinho and Lazio's president Claudio Lotito were involved in an altercation after the Rome derby