Following his team’s 2-0 win over Spezia in Liguria, Roma boss Jose Mourinho addressed the transfer situation involving Nicolo Zaniolo.
The player wasn’t excluded from the Giallorossi’s squad for tonight’s affair after requesting to be excused as he seeks a transfer away from the Italian capital.
“Tiago Pinto already told you all about it, and I think he did a great job of it,” Mourinho told DAZN at full-time. “The important thing is that we won the game tonight and played well as a team.”
“As for Zaniolo, let’s see what happens. My gut tells me he’ll be here on February 1st. His wish is to leave but I think he’ll ultimately end up staying.”
He added, “Why? Usually when a player wants to leave, and lets you know about it, it’s because there’s an important offer on the table. But so far there’s nothing for Zaniolo. That’s why I think he’ll be here a week from now.”
As for any potential punishments for his behavior, the Special One insisted the team would keep the matter in-house.
“If he stays we’ll handle it the way these things must be handled. Those who work and deserve to play will play, those who work less and don’t deserve to play won’t play.”
“I always try to do what I think is best for the team. If Nicolò is here, he’ll be another name on our squad list. He and I have an excellent relationship, I’ve always tried to help him and he always responded with incredible effort.”
Finally, “Right now he wants to leave, it’s something I have to accept. But where is the acceptable offer for Roma that could help us? Because if Nicolò goes away, someone has to come.”
“And if he goes to spend six months somewhere else, even if it’s in a good league or a good team, he certainly wouldn’t go in exchange for anything.”
“I say this because all of it is an unacceptable situation and I’m sorry that Tiago Pinto comes out as the villain of the story, he is not the villain but someone who defends the interests of Roma.”
“I saw the media mention the names of Deulofeu and Ziyech, but we’re not thinking about them because I don’t think anything will happen with Zaniolo.”
Several clubs including Spurs and Milan have expressed interest in acquiring the 23 year-old this month.