Zaniolo Backs Leao Move to Galatasaray and Praises Mourinho

Italian forward Nicolò Zaniolo has backed Rafael Leao's move from AC Milan to Galatasaray, citing the Turkish club's prestige, Champions League participation and growing ability to attract elite players. In an interview published by Goal on October 12, 2026, the Udinese attacker also discussed his relationship with José Mourinho, his experience at Aston Villa and the stadiums that shaped his career.

Zaniolo's assessment draws on his own time in Istanbul, where he experienced the intense atmosphere surrounding Galatasaray's home matches. He also reflected on his spell in England, where competition for attacking positions and the challenges of adapting to a different culture affected his experience.

Asked whether Leao had made the right decision by joining Galatasaray, Zaniolo praised the Portuguese winger's quality and the club's standing in European football.

"I think so. Leao is a world-class player, one of the best wingers around. Galatasaray are a prestigious club who play in the Champions League, and Turkish football is growing enormously by bringing in stars such as Osimhen and Sané.

If he had the opportunity to play for Galatasaray and play in the Champions League with them, he certainly made the right decision. I wish him all the best and hope he keeps enjoying himself and showing everyone how good he is, because even though I don't know him personally, I instinctively like him." Zaniolo said.

The forward also credited Mourinho, his former manager at Roma, with helping him develop professionally and personally. Zaniolo said the Portuguese coach's ability to manage players and anticipate how matches would unfold distinguished him beyond his tactical knowledge.

"Mourinho is 'Special' in everything: in how he manages people, on the pitch, in how he sees the game. There are so many stories I could tell... One example?

It's about the Conference final. I was in contention with another player for a place, and his entire staff advised him to play the other player instead of me. But Mourinho replied: 'No, Nicolò has to play tomorrow because he scores goals.'

Other times, he'd come into the dressing room and say: 'Tomorrow we'll start strongly, put them under pressure and go 1-0 up.' And the next day we'd start strongly and go 1-0 up. He's a master.

Off the pitch, he's helped me enormously. We're still in touch on WhatsApp; sometimes he messages me, sometimes I message him. The fact that a manager who has coached world-class players takes the time, of his own accord, to ask how I am shows the greatness of the man even before the coach."

Zaniolo said.

Zaniolo recorded his best seasonal goals-and-assists output under Mourinho, according to the interview. Their relationship has continued since their time together in Rome, with the pair still communicating through WhatsApp.

The Italian also described his move to Aston Villa as the fulfillment of a long-standing ambition, although he acknowledged that adapting to English football and life outside Italy was difficult.

"The Premier League is the NBA of football, and honestly, playing there was a dream of mine. I also thought my style was perfect for that kind of football. At first, I played regularly in what was an incredible season, which we ended by qualifying for the Champions League.

But there was huge competition up front, with players like Diaby, Watkins, Rogers and Bailey. The standard was extremely high. I also needed time to adapt on the pitch and in everyday life, including culturally.

And I have to be honest: I missed Italy a lot. Even so, I think I had some great moments, such as starting in a 2-0 win against Arsenal. It was an experience that enriched me personally, and I'm pleased to have helped a club as important as Aston Villa qualify for the Champions League."

Zaniolo said.

His account highlighted the depth of Aston Villa's attacking options, including Moussa Diaby, Ollie Watkins, Morgan Rogers and Leon Bailey. Despite struggling to establish a consistent starting role, Zaniolo pointed to the team's Champions League qualification and a 2-0 victory over Arsenal as significant moments from his English spell.

When discussing the venues that left the strongest impression on him, Zaniolo singled out Galatasaray's support and the Santiago Bernabéu, where he played Real Madrid against Roma in his first official match at that level.

"That's true (laughs, ed.). I've played in fantastic stadiums such as Anfield, Old Trafford, San Siro and the Olimpico... At Galatasaray, the support is unreal.

You can't hear a team-mate a metre away and have to speak into his ear. Every match, there are 50,000 or 60,000 fired-up fans; it always feels like a Champions League final. And of course, the Olimpico...

I don't even need to say it: when the crowd get behind you, it feels as though you start 1-0 up. But the stadium that has stayed with me most is the Bernabéu. Playing a Real Madrid-Roma match there, my first official match at that level, is something I'll never forget."

Zaniolo said.