In the past winter transfer window, Nicolò Zaniolo was keen to leave AS Roma and had already agreed with AC Milan. In the end, the deal fell through due to financially strong competition from England. Milan simply couldn’t keep up with an offer from AFC Bournemouth. Zaniolo himself had no desire to go to England and refused to negotiate.
He ended up staying and must now somehow try to win back the club’s favour. With coach José Mourinho, the left foot has at least gambled away his credit. He recently publicly pilloried him. An early return to the squad: more than unlikely.
In a public letter, the offensive man is now trying to smooth things over. “The last few months have been a very delicate time, and it has been difficult for me to understand how my professional future will continue”, explains Zaniolo. All the while, the 23-year-old said, he feared for his family and their well-being. This probably means threats from some Roma ultras, who even gathered in front of his private house.
Is it all just for show?
It goes on to say: “The future is in our hands: I hold mine and give myself completely to the Roma family.” Forgiving words, one would think. But if you believe reports from England, it doesn’t seem that there is too much regret.
According to the Daily Express, the Italian’s family is preparing a lawsuit against the Roma. It remains to be seen how things develop. In any case, the Causa Zaniolo is already a genuine transfer saga.
