Zaniolo receives death threats outside front door of his home

Italian footballer Nicolo Zaniolo, who expressed his desire to leave the club in the January transfer window, had to call the police in the early hours of Monday morning after suffering death threats from a group of fans at his home. 

After his team were beaten 2-1 by Napoli, local media report that around 1.30am CET, around 15 fans threatened to kill him. The reason was because he does not want to stay and Rome and because he turned down a 30 million euro offer from Bournemouth. The situation made the footballer so uncomfortable that he required the police's help. 

That same night, another banner was placed at Trigoria, Roma's sporting complex, with a message aimed at the 23 year-old footballer: "Men of little value and who are worthless and scroungers, get out of Trigoria. Unconditional support for those who respect our colours!".

Roma fans are not the only ones to criticise Zaniolo's decision. Coach Mourinho also did the same. Up to now, he had always been one of the footballers he trusted the most, but he has not counted on him since 15th January, three matchdays ago. 

"Unfortunately, what I said after the game against Spezia seems like it is becoming a reality. I was expecting he would stay, but as of today, I'd add 'unfortunately'," the Portuguese unequivocally said in a press conference last Saturday. 

"He's been saying for a month that he wants to leave. If someone always says that he does not want to wear the Roma shirt, I have to say 'unfortunately'," he added.

Next Tuesday, the January transfer window closes and Roma and Zaniolo need to find a solution as soon as possible. Otherwise, the player, who has a contract until June 2024, will be in the Italian capital until the end of the season.