Roma boss Jose Mourinho didn’t hold back when asked about the situation involving attacker Nicolo Zaniolo.
The 23 year-old asked to leave the club before next week’s transfer window deadline—a request that took the Giallorossi by surprise.
After negotiations with several clubs, the capital club struck an agreement with Bourenmouth worth €30 million plus €5 million in bonuses in addition to a 10% sell-on clause.
However, Zaniolo wasn’t convinced of the move and rejected the offer, increasing the likelihood he’ll stay with Roma for the remainder of the season.
“Unfortunately, what I said after Spezia seems to be becoming reality: it appears Zaniolo will stay with us after all,” Mourinho stated at his press conference ahead of tomorrow’s showdown against Napoli.
“For the past month he’s been telling us he wants to leave. He told me he doesn’t want to play for us any longer and doesn’t want to train with the team—which is why I used the word ‘unfortunately’.”
He added, “I gave him the green light after Spezia. For me it’s a real shame when a footballer tells everyone that he doesn’t want to wear the Roma shirt.”
“Now our focus is on tomorrow against Napoli, I don’t want to discuss Zaniolo anymore.”
