Europa LeagueInterviews

Zaniolo discusses injury recovery, decision to stay at Roma & relationship with Mourinho

Andy Mattioli
I

Nicolo Zaniolo sta down alongside Jose Mourinho earlier today to preview tomorrow night’s Europa League clash with Helsinki at the Stadio Olimpico which will mark Zaniolo’s return from injury after suffering a dislocated shoulder a few weeks ago.

“It is never nice to be out of action, I tend to experience it as an injustice. With the shoulder you can train, you can do everything but fall.”

“The coach asked me for my availability on Monday, and I felt like going to Empoli. I was ready to enter the match.”

The 23-year-old also addressed summer rumours linking him with Juventus and Tottenham.

“It wasn’t a particularly eventful summer for me, it always seems like I’m on the verge of going away and then I always seem to stay, these are inferences and things that you come up with.”

“I still have a year and a half left on the contract to talk about it, it’s not the right time now because we have HJK Helsinki and Atalanta, I’m focused on what happens on the pitch.”

On Mourinho, he said, “I need to thank him because he has always given me another chance on the pitch, he is making me grow from a footballing and personal point of view. I’m very happy to have him as my coach.”

Finally, he discussed his ambitions with the club, “Every year we manage to add an extra piece, we are a strong team and we can have our say in every competition.”

“I want to win trophies like any player, fortunately I have already won one and I want to win again here in Rome.”

Match Center

MatchDay 30
1 Apr 17:00
Lecce
LEC
Roma