Mourinho on Milan-linked Zaniolo: “He will unfortunately stay with us after all” | OneFootball

AS Roma coach Jose Mourinho has admitted that Nicolo Zaniolo looks destined to stay with the club this month despite the interest of AC Milan.

Speaking during his press conference ahead of Roma’s big clash with league leaders Napoli (via Roma Press), the Portuguese coach did not hold back when talking about Zaniolo.

He made it abundantly clear that the attacker wants to leave the club and has done for the entire transfer window, which is why the coach is not happy that he now seems destined to stay.

“Unfortunately, what I said after Spezia seems to be becoming reality. Looks like Zaniolo will stay with us after all. Zaniolo has been saying he wants to leave for a month,” Mourinho said.

“He told me he doesn’t want to play for us anymore, that he doesn’t want to train with the team—so that’s why I say he will unfortunately stay with us after all.

“I gave him the green light after Spezia. For me it’s a real shame when a footballer tells everyone he doesn’t want to wear the Roma shirt. The ideal situation is for the player to be happy.”

The likes of Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United were linked with him but they have since looked elsewhere. Milan showed interest and are thought to be his favoured destination, but the board will not provide the extra funds to sign him.

He would provide another wide attacking option for Stefano Pioli but Roma want an obligatory purchase for a fee Milan can’t muster.