Zaniolo: 'Would never take Roma 10'

By Football Italia staff

Nicolo Zaniolo has poured scorn over the suggestion that he would like to take over Francesco Totti's No 10 shirt at Roma.

The 20-year old has hit real form of late, scoring in four consecutive games for the Giallorossi, including a long-range strike during the 2-1 win against Napoli on Saturday.

Asked by UEFA.com whether he would like to inherit Totti's iconic No 10 jersey - which has remained vacant since his retirement in 2017 - Zaniolo immediately shot down the idea.

"I wouldn't even think about it. I'd like to keep my own number, out of respect for the captain [Totti]. I wouldn't even try to say 'yes'."

"For any young man to be compared to Francesco is a great feeling, but I must say that I'm Nicolo Zaniolo and I must stay on this path."

The 20-year-old then revealed who else inspired him on a football pitch growing up.

"Kaka inspired me for the way he played, and his position on the pitch was similiar to my own.

"I also enjoyed watching Ronaldinho play. I'd watch games just for him."

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