AS Roma boss Jose Mourinho has come out in defence of Nottingham Forest-linked Nicolo Zaniolo after he was booed off the pitch in a win over Genoa.
The 23-year-old has become the latest player to be linked with a move to the City Ground as the Reds look to strengthen their squad this month.
He is comfortable playing in a variety of positions, having done so as an attacking midfielder, striker and right winger. However, he has struggled for form this season.
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Zaniolo has managed to find the back of the net just twice in 17 appearances in all competitions and has come under fire from the Roma supporters.
Following a 1-0 win over Genoa on Thursday, Mourinho insisted it was wrong of fans to single out individuals.
"'It is not my responsibility but I am very pleased. Empathy has been around for a long time," he said.
"People are aware that the group gives its best and I'm sorry for booing Zaniolo because he is an example of a guy who gives his best. I learned from an early age that when you give your best, you don't have to give more, even when you go to school. My story in Rome is small but maybe people will listen to me. They can boo the team, the result, whatever they want but not individual.
"When there is a person who takes a salary from Roma and then criticizes the players in front of the microphones, he opens the door to boos and people listen to him. I'm sorry for Zaniolo and I'm sorry that my club doesn't have the strength to go straight, because in these situations you have to do it."
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