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A delighted Nicolo Zaniolo spoke to the media after scoring his first goal in more than a year on Thursday night, as Roma beat Trabzonspor to reach the Europa Conference League group stage.
Here's what Zaniolo had to say after the 3-0 triumph...
You looked very emotional after you scored – your first goal in 400 days.
“A lot went through my mind. All the days of recovery, the whole journey I went through, all the times I was in the stands watching my teammates. So many things.
"I’m really delighted. I hope that tonight is the start of a new chapter. I want to thank my family, all those who supported me in the tough moments. I want to thank everyone; the staff, the coach, the club. As I said, I’m really happy.”
Mourinho said he suggested you have two days off, but you told him you’d rather stay with the team…
“Yes, I’ve already had too many days off. Jokes apart, though, I’m a Roma player and I will be with the team even if I can’t play in Salerno at the weekend. In training I will go at 200 miles an hour, I won’t hold anything back, that’s the way I want to work and the way I try to send the right message to the rest of the squad.”
What is the relationship like between you and Jose Mourinho?
“From the very first day he got to Trigoria he’s really given me such a boost. Both me and the squad.
"He’s an amazing coach. With each passing day he helps give us a winning mentality, to never give up, to make sure we all give the best we have. When you are struggling and you see Mourinho on the touchline it gives you that extra push – and with these fans too it becomes even easier to run that bit further. We want to keep this going.”
How much have you grown up over the last year?
“It was been the hardest period of my life so far. I had to grow up as both a person and as a player, I learned so much throughout it all. Before I used to go to the gym quite a lot but now it’s an integral part of my training preparation. I can still grow further, but I am on the right path I think.”
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