Zbigniew Boniek condemns Roma’s decision to freeze out Zalewski: “He’s the biggest Roma fan of all.”

Former Roma player and UEFA director Zbigniew Boniek addressed Roma’s decision to exclude Nicola Zalewski from all first team activities.

The decision was made in light of the player’s refusal to move to Galatasaray.

In an interview with Radio Romanista, Boniek did not hold back.

“Maybe I’m a bit biased. I know him and his family. If all Roma footballers had to be tested on who is more Romanista, he would be the first. He’s the biggest Roma fan of all,” said Boniek.

“He loves the city, the club and colours. He didn’t do anything to be out of the squad: he always gave the best of himself. Like all footballers can have a drop, I don’t think he did anything to deserve this. It doesn’t make any sense.”

”He met Galatasaray and had reached an agreement with them. Then Galatasaray had sent the offer and he had reluctantly accepted. On Wednesday night he learned that the offer did not satisfy Roma and so he thought he would stay.”

“Evidently then the two clubs have reached an agreement, but he would now like to stay. Roma is a serious club and human relations must be important. It’s a football club and not a business center, there must also be other things, like the human aspect, to work. Zalewski comes from the youth academy and loves Roma. Bove himself went on loan and Le Fée was signed. Between Le Fée and Bove there is a big difference in favour of the Roman boy. I’m sorry because I’m a Roma fan, maybe there are discussions within the club. There has to be more to this story.”

“If I have a contract until June 30 and I want to honour it and convince the club to extend the contract, I can do it. I don’t think he will stay out of the squad until January.”