Roma fans booed Nicolo Zaniolo after Jose Mourinho substituted him during their Europa Conference League tie with Vitesse Arnhem after Liverpool held exploratory transfer talks.
The Giallorossi welcomed Thomas Letsch’s side to the Stadio Olimpico on Thursday for the second-leg of their last 16 affair. Roma had won the opening clash 1-0 in Holland, but saw Maximilian Wittek take away their advantage just after the hour and threaten extra-time.
Zaniolo had started the clash in Rome for his 33rd appearance of the season so far. But the 22-year-old endured a disappointing time and was unable to add to either his four goals or eight assists. Two of his goals and three assists had come earlier in the UEFA competition.
Mourinho eventually saw enough from Zaniolo to remove the forward after 79 minutes in a bid to pull level on the night and go ahead on aggregate. But as the eight-cap Italy winger trudged off for Felix Afena Gyan with his head down, Roma fans jeered his performance.
Zaniolo was also on a booking following referee Radu Petrescu showing him a yellow card for dissent moments earlier. While Roma managed to secure their progression without the need for extra-time, with Tammy Abraham heading home in the 90th-minute to pull level.
Roma fans boo Nicolo Zaniolo after Liverpool open exploratory transfer talks
Roma fans booing Zaniolo against Vitesse Arnhem in the Europa Conference League came after Liverpool had opened exploratory transfer talks. Roma Live reported in February that the Reds, Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United all sought to examine his situation.
Zaniolo has become the subject of some speculation in recent months as he is still yet to extend his contract. The forward’s deal expires in 2024, to the interest of Juventus and the Premier League outfits. His agent also confirmed there were no talks held as of last month.
Without an agreement, the Serie A side are becoming increasingly open to the Massa-born maestro’s farewell. But Gazzetta dello Sport add Roma would want €50m (£42m) to grant Zaniolo’s exit and that Juventus are the favourites to secure the Liverpool target’s transfer.
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