'No Juve or Raiola for Zaniolo'

By Football Italia staff

Nicolo Zaniolo’s father has confirmed the Roma midfielder will sign a new contract and that Mino Raiola will not become his agent.

Sport Mediaset reported on Monday that Juventus were preparing a ‘huge’ offer for Zaniolo, who has broken out for Roma this season, while Raiola was said to have been keen on recruiting the Italy starlet.

However, dad Igor told Corriere dello Sport: “Raiola asked for information and is interested in Zaniolo, but Vigorelli will remain Nicolo’s agent for a long time.

“At the end of the season there will be a meeting with Roma for his renewal, and there won’t be any problems.

“On both sides there’s a willingness to conclude negotiations in a positive way. The recent talk has been bad for Roma and Nicolo.

“We all have to row on the same boat if he is to develop properly. We mustn’t upset the fans and club: Roma are going for third place, there’s the derby and then the match against Porto: for him the priority is the team and he only wants to think about the pitch.

“Yesterday he spent the day at home with his mother. He wants to stay focused on Roma’s upcoming games in Serie A and Champions League.

“The first leg against Porto was a good test, but of course it’s not enough. We won’t hide his quality as it’s undeniable, but obviously we mustn’t stop now because he hasn’t done anything yet.

“[His talent] will have to be confirmed in the final part of the season and then the next few years.

“If he stops at his two goals against Porto then we’re at the beginning of the end. The derby? I’m pumped for it.

“The derby is always a special game and there’s a fantastic atmosphere for it in the city. Nicolo is fired up, but I hope he’s more relaxed than I am.”

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