Nicolo Zaniolo defends himself: “I never raised my hand, there were no slaps” | OneFootball

Nicolo Zaniolo has been involved in a heated controversy in the last few days as he was accused on being in a scuffle with two Roma Primavera players.

While different versions of the story have emerged, the winger has now spoken to Corriere dello Sport about what really happened. He has stated that he was never violent and never raised his hand.

He told the outlet: “When I passed the boys I gave them a high five and said well done. When I came out of the bathroom, one of these boys provoked me in a loud voice and when I asked him if it was really me he was referring to, he approached me. I lost my temper but I didn’t hit him.

“It’s a mistake that weighs on me, especially because I know I have to be an example for the younger ones. However, I want to point out that the facts are far from what has been reconstructed and that on my part, apart from a verbal argument, there was no aggressive behavior.”

He revealed that harsh words were exchanged but there was no violence done from his part and the youth players were being very rude to him.

He said: “Were harsh words exchanged with a Roma boy? Yes. Did he provoke me? Yes. Could I have avoided going to the bathroom in their locker room? I asked permission. I never raised my hands , there were no slaps, much less punches. I repeat, when I make a mistake I take responsibility for it but not this time. And since I have a clear conscience I have no problem speaking to the federal prosecutor or to the boy in question who I only put a hand on the shoulder because the tone was not very pleasant.”

Zaniolo stated that he became the victim of violence in the name of being asked for an autograph by the two youngsters.

“What I found totally out of place was the behavior of some adults who went from asking for an autograph to insulting me. I even received a cleat in the calf. What hurts the most is the lack of respect towards a colleague who is older than the boy who showed he didn’t appreciate my presence in the locker room, perhaps by electing himself as a defender for Roma, when there was no need at all. If the federal prosecutor calls me I will go in person.

“I am almost twenty-six years old, I have changed, that Zaniolo no longer exists, at Atalanta they know this perfectly well. Maybe years ago there would have been a fight, but you grow up, thank God. Today I am also capable of gaining respect with words.”

Roma have released a statement last night, stating that the winger was actually drunk and had entered the Roma dressing room without permission. Witnesses have stated that he urinated at club facilities and assaulted both the players, pushing one of them towards a bench.

Kaustubh Pandey I GIFN