Zaniolo savours goalscoring return

Nicolo Zaniolo believes his goal against Brescia will be the start of an exciting new chapter for him, as he gets closer to returning to his very best

Celebrating his goal at the Rigamonti by posting a photo on Instagram with a simple caption - "I'm back" - Zaniolo savoured the moment after six long months sidelined with a knee injury.

Helping his side to a 3-0 win over Brescia with his second half goal, Zaniolo admitted afterwards how much the goal had meant to him - even if he still has some way to go to return to 100%.

“I was so happy because after six tough months of sacrifices and rehabilitation that goal was a turning point, a new start for me," Zaniolo said.

"I have had one of the worst injuries a footballer can have and I fought back well.

"I’m especially pleased for the team, because we are on the right track again. It was a perfect evening, we want to keep going.”

Do you think you can be back to your best for the Europa League?

“As I have said in the past, every day I focus on getting back to 100%. I know I am still not quite there, but that’s normal. Every day I go out on the pitch an hour beforehand to get my knee warmed up and ready and I will continue to take things day by day, not looking too far ahead. As far as the Europa League goes, if I got back to 100% for that I could be a real help.”

How do you feel you are right now, in percentage terms?

“I’ve been training with the squad for two weeks now and every three days we are playing. I can’t do too much pitch work in training and that limits things a bit. I am at about 60-65% right now I think. I’m happy, perhaps I’ve not got complete freedom of movement in a few things, like my changes in direction, but I think it’s just a matter of time until it’s like before.

“I’ve felt good coming back, during the quarantine I rewatched almost all the games we played to see all the movements. I’m working hard on my role, I’m happy there, I enjoy it and when I stick it in the net I’m even happier.”