Dutchman excited about the season ahead along with new signings.
Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman is determined to help the club be successful this season, and has revealed why he chose the Italian capital.
The 23-year-old completed his switch from PSV last month, and joins the likes of Daniele De Rossi, Miralem Pjanic and Alessandro Florenzi in a talented midfield at the Stadio Olimpico.
However, he has told La Gazzetta dello Sport why he chose the Giallorossi this summer, when speculation in the media suggested that a whole host of top European clubs were interested in signing him.
“No team came forward seriously, except Roma. I was concentrating on the Under-21 Championships, and then I liked the style of the Giallorossi. Garcia called me and I asked [Mark] Van Bommel and [Maarten] Stekelenburg, I’m happy to be here,” he said.
While competition for places will be fierce given the presence of Michael Bradley, Strootman has revealed that he is relishing the prospect of helping the club win silverware next season but isn’t taking anything for granted.
“It’s early to say, but we have a lot of quality, with great players in each role. This summer has seen Maicon, Benatia, Gervinho and myself arrive.
“We know that the last two seasons have gone wrong, but I can not wait to begin. For a Dutchman it is difficult to learn Italian, we know, but I do not see why we can not.”
The Dutch international was also keen to dismiss suggestions that Roma are concerned by the lack of coverage they are receiving ahead of the new season, with much of the talk surrounding Juventus, the two Milan clubs, Napoli and Fiorentina.
However, he isn’t bothered by that and is keen to give something back to the Roma fans who will undoubtedly back their new coach and the players this year.
“We do not care what is said in the rest of the country. You have more pressure if you are the favourites. We have our fans, and that is incentive enough,” he added.
With no European football commitments this season, the capital club will concentrate solely on making an impression in Serie A and thus continue to remain a threat to the favourites for the Scudetto.
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