It was he, with his magic, who gave the Conference League to the Giallorossi team in 2022, but then between flops on the pitch and protests from the fans something went wrong. The result? He forced his hand to leave, rejected Bournemouth at the last minute and ended up out of the squad. But with the transfer market closed… Story of a very, very stormy transfer
Rome hot square. And it has always been so, both for the portion of the city that wears the white and blue colors of Lazio, and for the one dressed in yellow and red. And when the fans feel betrayed by their champions who they loved and praised so much, well, the climate in the capital becomes hot. An example? Zaniolo’s farewell to Roma heading to Galatasaray, Turkey, was one of the most turbulent in recent years. But let’s go in order.
the former hero of Tirana
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In January 2023, the Italian midfielder experienced one of the most difficult months of his professional career (and not only) up to that point; his departure during the winter transfer market session becomes inevitable after several unpleasant episodes and various controversies. From the decisive goal in Tirana in May 2022 to the new adventure in Türkiye, we retrace the stages of Nicolò’s departure.
CONTEXT
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The 22/23 season seems to be that of redemption for Zaniolo after the decisive goal that handed the Conference League to Roma a few months earlier (victory in Albania against Feyenoord 1-0), while the physical problems now seem to be a distant memory. However, the performances of the number 22 continue to disappoint and the first whistles begin to arrive, the contract renewal begins to become a coincidence. The straw that broke the camel’s back came during his last match played at the Olimpico in January 2022 against Genoa, when at the time of substitution the Giallorossi player was booed by the entire stadium after yet another flop on the pitch. The hypothesis of his farewell in the current transfer session, also given the contractual situation, is gaining ground.
THE BREAKUP
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On January 20, Zaniolo is out of Roma’s squad for the away match against Spezia, a decision taken directly by the player to force his departure from the capital. After the match Mourinho commented on the situation as follows: “There are no offers on the table that the club can accept, in February in my opinion they will still be here”. Milan are showing interest in him, confirmation comes from sporting director Massara: “We will be attentive to every opportunity, but I think it is very complicated to see him in the Rossoneri.” The club from via Aldo Rossi is cut off from the request of 30 million for his contract and the only offer that respects the Giallorossi’s conditions is that of Bournemouth. Zaniolo and Roma arrive at a total clash after the player declines the offer from England, the enraged club evaluates disciplinary measures and definitively excludes him from the technical project.
NEW ADVENTURE
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48 hours after the closing of the winter window, the situation does not seem to be resolved as Mourinho confirmed in the press conference: “Zaniolo has been saying every day for a month that he wants to leave, but unfortunately it seems that he will stay. The ideal situation is that the player be happy and let others be happy.” Tensions increase when on the night between 28 and 29 January Nicolò is threatened and insulted by a group of fans who recognize him near his home. In the meantime, the transfer market ends in Italy and the player is also excluded from the list for the Europa League. The only possible option is to transfer to Türkiye, where the market is still open. The two teams from Istanbul stepped forward and in the end Galatasaray managed to prevail over their rivals Fenerbahce by purchasing them for 15 million euros on 7 February 2023. Zaniolo now at Atalanta and Roma met again this season at the Olimpico: between the boos of the home crowd and the goal scored by Svilar, old rusts rekindled.
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