Zaniolo on his recovery, his hopes for the future and more

After undergoing surgery to repair his cruciate ligament in January, the Italy international is continuing to make progress as he targets an eventual return to action.

As he outlined his training plan at home, Zaniolo also spoke about his hopes for the future and his reflections on some of the key moments from his burgeoning career to date...

On his lockdown…

“It’s going well. I’m feeling a bit better every day. My life hasn’t changed much; before I did my rehabilitation at the training centre and now I do it all at home. I have targets each day, the knee is responding well and we will continue like that.”

On his future…

“I would love to become a key player for Roma, even if right now it’s not something I can really think about: my only aim right now is to get back out there on the pitch and make the fans smile again.

"We will see what will happen, even if my aim is to stay at Roma a long time – because this team has given me everything and I am in love with this club.”

On his injury…

"It was one of the worst feelings in my life, I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. I remember exactly what it was like when I collapsed to the ground and I heard the ‘snap’. I don’t hide away from watching that moment again, and it still gives me the chills.

"Right now I’m only thinking about my recovery, to get my knee back to 100%. If there is the chance, I will be happier than anyone if I am able to finish the season out there with my teammates. But it is always better to wait one day more than one day too few.

"When my teammates sent me messages about this injury, they said it would make me grow as a person. At the time I didn’t understand it, but it really has been the case.”

On his first international call-up…

“I was watching Sky Sport at the time. When the squad list came out and I saw my name on the list I couldn’t believe it. I thought there must have been a mistake.

“My first day at Coverciano I felt like a kid in a playground. [Eusebio] Di Francesco called me up to senior football at Roma, showing me so much faith just by letting me train with the pros, and so did [Roberto] Mancini when he called me up for Italy despite the fact I never had played a professional game.”