Roma’s sporting director Tiago Pinto felt ‘sorry’ for Hakim Ziyech’s after his botched deal with PSG

• Tiago Pinto has confirmed that Roma held talks with Hakim Ziyech in January
• Ziyech had been linked with a move to Roma before opting for PSG
• But the 29-year-old’s loan deal with the Ligue 1 side collapsed on deadline day

Roma sporting director Tiago Pinto has confirmed the Italian giants have held talks with Chelsea winger Hakim Ziyech during the January transfer window.

Ziyech had been linked with a move to Roma before flying to France to undergo a medical at PSG. However, his loan deal with the Ligue 1 side collapsed on deadline day.

Christophe Galtier blamed Chelsea for Ziyech’s botched move to the French capital as the Premier League giants submitted the wrong paperwork on more than one occasion.

PSG tried to file an appeal to ratify the transfer after the dramatic deadline day collapse, but French football authorities rejected their request.

Pinto said he felt sorry for Ziyech before confirming Roma had identified the 29-year-old as one of their targets for the January window.

“It’s true that we spoke to Ziyech’s agents and Chelsea about him, he was one of our targets,” he told reporters at Roma’s press conference.

“I’m sorry about what happened to him, it was difficult for him, but those who said we had contact with Ziyech’s agent were right.”

Pinto went on to discuss the situation with Nicolo Zaniolo – claiming the 23-year-old was made love at the club before asking to be allowed to leave.

Speaking of Zaniolo, who signed for Galatasaray last month, Pinto said: “If anyone thinks he left because of the lack of a contract offer then they are completely wrong.

“Nicolo was loved like few players – the moment he refuses to wear the Roma shirt transcends any overtime discussion.”