Dutch international believes he can handle the pressure.
Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman has revealed that he didn’t expect to leave PSV this summer, with his price-tag also coming as a surprise.
The 23-year-old joined the Giallorossi in an initial €16.5m deal with an additional €3.5m in bonuses, and has impressed in his first few appearances for the club.
Playing alongside Miralem Pjanic and Daniele De Rossi in arguably one of the strongest midfield trios in Italy, the Dutchman has settled well in the Italian capital but has revealed that his move came as a shock this summer.
“PSV sold a lot of players during the last transfer window, but that is not what pushed me away,” he told Voetbal International as reported by Football Italia.
“To be honest, I didn’t think I would leave.
“But what happened is very simple – I was strongly wanted by Roma and there was instantly a good feeling between us.”
Strootman was monitored by a number of top European clubs prior to his arrival in Rome, with the likes of Manchester United linked with making a move.
However, he opted to become a part of Rudi Garcia’s project at the Stadio Olimpico, with the French tactician picking up two wins in two games to start the season.
After losing the likes of Marquinhos and Erik Lamela, critics suggested that Roma would be severely weakened ahead of the new campaign. However, Strootman believes he is ready to repay the faith shown in him particularly since the club signed him for such a significant transfer fee.
“I don’t think PSV ever thought they would get so much for me,” he added.
“Pressure? It’s clear that there is pressure on me – there always is when a player costs so much. You have to perform.”
Roma make the trip to Parma on Monday night hoping to make it a hat-trick of victories to start the new season.
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