Zaniolo: 'If Roma have problems...'

By Football Italia staff

Nicolò Zaniolo wants to remain at Roma, said his father, but “if the club has problems then that’s not up to him. We don’t know who to talk to.”

Francesco Totti made it clear in his fiery Press conference that the Giallorossi are still having financial issues and need to sell by June 30 in order to balance the books.

Considering Zaniolo has a price-tag of around €70m, the midfielder who turns 20 next month would be a candidate to move on.

“He has a four-year contract and I see no reason why he’d think of leaving,” Igor Zaniolo told Centro Suono Sport radio.

“However, if the club has other problems, then that’s not up to him. At the moment, we don’t know who to talk to, as the new director of sport has not yet been formally appointed. As soon as they get that sorted out, I’m sure we’ll be among the first to be called.”

Zaniolo moved to Roma from Inter last summer as part of the Radja Nainggolan transfer, but in one season has made his debut in Serie A, the Champions League and for the senior Italy squad.

“I thought it was a joke when I heard he was going to debut against Real Madrid. At the start, I was really nervous that he’d crumble, but instead he really impressed and that’s where it all started.

“Confidence is key for a young player and Eusebio Di Francesco realised that, whereas for various reasons Claudio Ranieri had less faith in Nicolò.

“I don’t know much about Paulo Fonseca, but he’ll want a team that is hard-working and with an attacking approach, so that should fit Nicolò’s characteristics.”

Igor was also a professional football player, albeit at a lower level than his son, playing for the likes of Genoa and Salernitana.

“I think Nicolò would give his best on the left flank with his stronger foot, in a three-man midfield. That is what several Coaches consider to be his ideal, above all (Italy CT Roberto) Mancini.

“He adapted to other roles at Roma out of necessity, as for example Lorenzo Pellegrini wouldn’t have had the same impact placed wide.”

Watch Serie A live in the UK on Premier Sports for just £9.99 per month including live LaLiga, Eredivisie, Scottish Cup Football and more. Visit: https://www.premiersports.com/subscribenow