Nicolo Zaniolo has chosen to leave AS Roma. Club legend Giuseppe Gianni claims the youngster neglected Francesco Totti’s advice and moved on.
Zaniolo isn’t likely to see the Stadio Olimpico be his home anymore even though his contract stands up to 2024. The club looks exhausted by the midfielder’s attitude and doesn’t look like it’s going to push for him to stay.
Zaniolo neglects Francesco Totti
The Giallorossi was very polite in convincing the 22-year-old to stay in Rome. On the other hand, the youngster had other plans such as immediately leaving for other European giants.
Club legend Francesco Totti on hearing the issue reached out to Nicolo Zaniolo personally to motivate him. The arrogant Zaniolo only went on to completely ignore the World Cup winner’s advice and stuck to his decision.
Roma’s take on Zaniolo
The Giallorossi are in no hurry to protect the Italian international. As a matter of fact, they are fuming due to his intimation to La Gazzetta that he desperately wants to leave Rome.
“If he wants to stay at Roma, which is not a small team, he could say that he was happy with the interest from other clubs, but at the same this, he wanted to stay,” club legend Giuseppe Giannini, according to Corriere Dello Sport.
“Now, his words can be interpreted variously. I remember that Francesco Totti spoke to him a few days ago, giving him advice on how to get the best out of his stay at Roma. Perhaps, Zaniolo didn’t listen to him,” the former Roma player added.
Who will Roma land as a replacement?
The club is reportedly wanting to offer £60 million to any club that wants to sign him. There are options for signing Paulo Dybala who is now a free agent after leaving Juventus. Another option could be Alvaro Morata but he is returning to Atletico Madrid. As his loan contract with the Old Lady expires soon, he’ll leave the Allianz Stadium soon.
The Giallorossi are willing to loan him out or perhaps sell the Italian with an option to purchase. It won’t be simple for José Mourinho on the other hand to find a resolution ahead of the next season since no other team now appears prepared to match Roma slapping a huge price tag on Zaniolo.
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