Nicolo Zaniolo: Bersinar, Redup, And Trying To Rise By Joining Aston Villa

Nicolo Zaniolo. (Doc. AFP/FILIPPO MONTEFORTE)

JAKARTA - A few years ago no one thought that Nicolo Zaniolo's career would quickly decline. Zaniolo has been stealing attention since joining AS Roma in 2018.

He is predicted to be a future star player in Italy. In fact, because Nicolo Zaniolo's performance at that time made Fabio Capello praise him as high as the sky. Capello believes Zaniolo has the potential to win the Ballon d'Or in the future.

Unfortunately, his career did not go smoothly after suffering anterior cruciate league (ACL) injury when he fought with AS Roma against Juventus in the Italian Serie A continuation, early 2020.

Most recently, Aston Villa officially announced the recruitment of Nicolo Zaniolo on a one-season loan from Galatasaray.

Zaniolo is likely to be a substitute for Emi Buendia who suffered a serious knee injury in training before the 2023/2024 season begins.

"Aston Villa is pleased to announce the loan of the Italian international Nicolo Zaniolo," the club announced, reported Saturday.

In his introduction, the 24-year-old footballer was very happy to be able to strengthen Villa, who according to him is one of the best teams in the Premier League by being coached by one of the world's best coaches, Unai Emery.

"I'm very happy to be here. Aston Villa is one of the best teams in England and in the Premier League. I want to play and show my quality," said Zaniolo.

"Unai Emery is one of the greatest coaches in the world. And for me, this is a great opportunity to show my quality," he added.

Joining the team that this season has participated in the European Conference League has made the Italian national team player realize his dream of a career in the world's best football league today, the Premier League.

Primary League is the most important championship in the world. It was my dream when I was young that one day I would play in the Premier League. Now I'm here and I can't wait to play," said Zaniolo, quoted from ANTARA, Saturday, August 19.

Last season, 2022/2023, Zaniolo won the Turkish League with his club Galatasaray where he has appeared 10 games by scoring five goals since his move in February 2023.

In the previous season, the footballer who was born on July 2, 1999, strengthened AS Roma, which he has defended since July 2018. At the club based at Stadio Olimpico, Zaniolo made 128 appearances by scoring 24 goals and 18 assists, becoming the best young player in the 2018/2019 Italian League and winning the 2021/2022 European Conference League under Jose Mourinho.

Zaniolo is The Villa's fourth signing of this summer's transfer window after Youi Tielemans (Leicester City), Pau Torres (Villarreal), and Moussa Diaby (Bayer Leverkusen). At the club based at Villa Park, Zaniolo will wear the number 22.