Nicolo Zaniolo has claimed that he was "kicked out" of Roma for not accepting a transfer offer in the January window amid Leeds United's interest in the forward.
Leeds were heavily linked with a late move for the 23-year-old in the closing stages of the winter window. Jack Harrison's at the time seemingly imminent move to Leicester City appeared to shift the Elland Road club into gear as they reportedly considered bringing the Roma man to West Yorkshire as a replacement.
Eventually, Galatasaray would swoop in and bring Zaniolo to Turkey. But now the Italian has opened up on his frustrating experience of leaving the Serie A side.
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"I could talk for hours about unfulfilled promises," Zaniolo told Gazzetta dello Sport when asked about his eventual exit from the Stadio Olimpico. "They told me I was an important figure, instead I was just a capital gain.
"For two years I was told that the new contract was ready. In January last year I signed for a little more than what I was already earning because I was happy in Rome and I knew there were problems with Financial Fair Play.
"After lots of talk, I got bored. If I have to reflect on my farewell, I think others should do too."
Zaniolo also discussed the transfer options that were available to him, as he seemed to suggest that there was some truth in the rumours that Bournemouth were not the only club eyeing up a move, with Leeds also thought to be interested in his services.
"Actually, it wasn’t just Bournemouth and Galatasaray, but I was kicked out for not accepting the English club’s offer and the fans took it out on me," he added.
“Some [fans] chased me with their car, others came to my house. My family and I were frightened because we felt alone. People were so angry we couldn’t talk to them properly. In those days I also turned off my phone because I was getting a lot of bad messages.
"I was disappointed by the reactions of almost everyone. I won’t name names, but some said we were like brothers and then they didn’t even say hello to me."
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