Nicolò Zaniolo, currently with Udinese, states he feels `more mature` and acknowledges past `mistakes` in his career, expressing deep `suffering` following his departure from AS Roma.
The Italian forward arrived at Udinese on a provisional loan from Galatasaray on the final day of the transfer window, with aspirations of revitalizing his professional trajectory at the Bluenergy Stadium.
“I am feeling good,” Zaniolo conveyed to Repubblica. “I recognize that I made errors in the past, but there`s no way to change that now. I reflect on it today. Here in Udine, with this club, I feel excellent.”
Zaniolo Reflects on Past Decisions and Regrets
“I understand that life involves necessary steps for personal growth. The way I spoke and acted a few years ago might have made me appear more superficial. I lacked experience then, and today I perceive myself as more mature.
“Everyone carries regrets. On one hand, I believe that reaching this point was predestined,” Zaniolo elaborated.
“Conversely, I admit that I made numerous mistakes in my career, partly due to the intense media scrutiny I faced from the outset and the pressure I had to manage. Being a topic of widespread discussion at 18, especially in a city like Rome, is not easy. I would challenge anyone not to be influenced by it. My error was in overestimating myself, and many subsequent mistakes stemmed from that. I now acknowledge these failings, and given the chance to go back, I would not repeat them.”
Zaniolo moved from Roma to Galatasaray during the 2023 winter transfer window. Subsequently, he had loan spells at Aston Villa, Atalanta, and Fiorentina, yet struggled to meet expectations.
“Perhaps it wasn`t evident from the outside how much I struggled emotionally when I had to leave Roma,” he disclosed.
“It was, and remains, a club I hold dear. I had a wonderful time there, and it was painful to part ways with the supporters, the club, and the people. I might not have shown it outwardly, as I tend to keep my emotions to myself.”
The 26-year-old last represented Italy in 2024 in a friendly against Ecuador, but he is determined to rejoin the Azzurri squad under the guidance of new coach Gennaro Gattuso.
Zaniolo`s Ambition for an Italy Comeback
“It has always been my objective, and even before that, it was my childhood dream,” he affirmed.
“To represent Italy is a truly magnificent experience. When wearing that jersey, you unite fans of Inter, Milan, Juve, Roma, and Lazio. Everyone shares the same conviction.”
Zaniolo has netted one goal in his four competitive appearances for Udinese this season.
Udinese possesses two distinct options to secure his services permanently at the season`s conclusion: they can either pay €5 million, granting Galatasaray a 50% sell-on clause for future transfers, or a straightforward €10 million fee.
Udinese also paid €3 million for Zaniolo`s current one-season loan.
