Aston Villa man sends social media dart to Bournemouth chief – Patient revenge over transfer

Aston Villa’s Nicolò Zaniolo has aimed a dig at new AFC Bournemouth chief Tiago Pinto.

Earlier today, Bournemouth confirmed that Pinto has been appointed as their president of football operations.

Last summer, the winger joined Aston Villa on loan from Galatasaray, months after he left AS Roma. Zaniolo knows Pinto from the Serie A side and it was the latter who sold him to the Turkish club.

Pinto left Roma back in February and the Bournemouth job will allow him to return to management. The Italy international took to social media, relayed by Tuttosport, to share his feelings towards the Portuguese.

Prior to his move to Galatasaray, Zaniolo turned down the Cherries in January 2023 and Pinto, who was then in charge at Roma, wasn’t pleased.

“If I decide to leave and I see that only Bournemouth and Galatasaray want me, you’d have to ask yourself some questions,” Pinto said in February 2023.

The Aston Villa man has now referred to quotes on his Instagram stories, to take a dig at Pinto, who has taken the new role at Bournemouth.

He also added: “Time in time! Everything comes back.”

Aston Villa are unlikely to make his stay permanent and recent claims in Italy have stated he will return to Serie A in the summer window.

One thing is clear, he won’t be going to Bournemouth.