Former Roma player Medhi Benatia fondly remembered his time in the Italian capital and touched upon Zaniolo’s development with the Giallorossi as well recent links to Juventus in an interview with TuttoJuve.
“I received such a warm welcome at Roma,” said the retired centre-back. “All the fans welcomed me and treated me well from day one. I can only thank Sabatini, Massara and all those that helped me over there.”
“At Roma I won the prize for the league’s best defender, which is no small achievement,” he added.
On Zaniolo, Benatia reaffirmed his belief that the 22-year-old is better of staying at Trigoria for years to come. “He’s been very unlucky with injuries, but I’ve appreciated him since the first time I saw him play.”
“I see him getting well now, he’s got strength back into his legs and he’s technically skilled. He reminds me of Kaka’, like him he can become a great player. He’ll achieve great things.”
Benatia concluded, “I’d rather see him remain at Roma. That way he can become an important player for those colors.”