There was never any doubt that Monchi had a big part in bringing Nicolo Zaniolo to Aston Villa this summer.
The director had previously worked with the midfielder at AS Roma, and saw a good opportunity to bring him to England and work with Unai Emery this season.
Now as Zaniolo was this week interviewed by Sky Sport’s Italian outlet, he felt at ease to explain how Monchi managed to attract him to Aston Villa.
The player explained that he was supposed to be in the Champions League, but ended up being convinced on the move to Villa Park instead.
“It was a summer I didn’t expect, at Galatasaray they told me I was part of the project, that I would play in the Champions League. But then Monchi called me and told me there would be this chance,” Zaniolo told Sky Sport.
Zaniolo was then asked to talk more about his relationship with Monchi and explained he’d always been followed by him.
“Monchi was my first director, from youth football he took me to the football that counts, I will thank him forever,” he added.
“It was him who wanted me at Roma, with him there is a relationship of gratitude. He always counted on me in every circumstance, when there was a need or the will he always called me. I will always be grateful to him.”
It was in January that Galatasaray spent €15m to sign Zaniolo from AS Roma. Now Aston Villa paid €5m to get him on a loan from the Turkish side, and that could well turn into a permanent transfer next summer.
So far, Zaniolo made six appearances fo Unai Emery’s side, and is still settling into the team.
