Dutch midfielder looking forward to challenge of playing in Italy.
New Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman has revealed his excitement at the chance to perform against the top clubs in Serie A.
The Dutch international has completed a move reportedly worth €20m including bonuses to the Italian capital, and signed a five-year deal with the Roman giants on Wednesday.
It is understood that Premier League champions Manchester United had been monitoring his situation at PSV earlier this summer, but having switched their attention to other targets the Red Devils have now missed out.
Having completed the move and signed the contract, the 23-year-old revealed just how excited he was at the prospect of playing in Italy, and he clearly can’t wait to join up with his new team-mates and coach Rudi Garcia.
“I am very excited to be able to play for this great club,” he wrote on his personal website as quoted by Sky Sports.
“It is the next stage in my career development after being at Sparta, FC Utrecht and PSV, a club at which I had a lot of fun.”
Strootman also revealed to Dutch paper De Telegraaf that he spoke to former AC Milan midfielder Mark van Bommel before clinching his move, and asked the midfield general about moving to Italy.
“He was the man with experience of Italy,” he said.
“Mark said how great the passion of the fans was, how special the atmosphere in the stadiums was and how there was a totally different football culture.
“What counts for me is the number of big games I am going to play here.
“I will train every day with top players and get to play against the likes of Inter Milan, Juventus and Napoli.”
Strootman is the latest new face to join the Giallorossi, as the club step up their bid to be competitive in the new season.
It was confirmed on Thursday that they have also signed Manchester City defender Maicon in a deal worth €3m.
The Brazilian full-back made just 11 appearances at the Etihad following his move from Inter last summer, but having now completed his medical on Monday and agreed personal terms, he has officially been announced as a Roma player.
COMMENTS