Zaniolo on his Roma regrets: “I should’ve kept my feet on the ground.” | OneFootball

Nicolò Zaniolo wore the Roma jersey from 2018 to 2023, effectively taking his first steps in senior football with the Giallorossi.

A lack of recognition and less than exemplary behavior left the Roman club with little peace of mind. Today, at Udinese, he seems changed and has rediscovered his best form.

The midfielder gave an interview to La Gazzetta dello Sport in which he also discussed his past with the Giallorossi.

The 1999-born player made his debut and, despite the negative outcome of his football experience, remained attached to the capital: “I bought two houses in Rome; I think I’ll live there when I grow up. It gave me so much. I follow the team, even if it ended badly.”

Zaniolo then focused on the emotions of the night in Tirana: “An incredible feeling. But that trophy belongs to everyone; I didn’t win it. We won it in the playoffs against Trabzonspor, working since July.”

The player also spoke about José Mourinho: “He’s a master. He manages things perfectly, on and off the pitch. And he’s down to earth. I can still feel it.”

And regarding Gasperini, the 1999-born player admitted: “I struggled at Atalanta; I couldn’t give what Gasperini wanted.”

Zaniolo spoke of his admiration for Francesco Totti: “He’s a champion, a phenomenon, a legend. One of the three Italian top 10s, along with Baggio and Del Piero. I was fortunate to know Francesco and I understood his importance.”

The former Giallorossi player revealed he couldn’t handle the excitement in the capital: “I didn’t know how to handle the moment after my Champions League debut and the brace against Porto. I had to keep my feet on the ground.”