MX23RW : Tuesday, November 26 14:59:24| >> :120:69013:69013:

Kevin Strootman: "I hope to become a leader at Roma"

Strootman:
© PA Photos
Kevin Strootman says that Roma boss Rudi Garcia convinced him to move to the Italian capital.

Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman has revealed that coach Rudi Garcia played an instrumental role in his decision to leave PSV Eindhoven for the Italian capital.

The 23-year-old Dutch international joined the Giallorossi in a deal worth round £15m, although a number of clubs - including Manchester United - were rumoured to be interested.

"I didn't really know the coach, but he is one of the reasons why I am here," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "I spoke to him on a couple of occasions before I joined and I liked him. He filled me with enthusiasm by telling me how he wanted me to play.

"No side seriously came forward for me apart from Roma. I also asked [former AC Milan midfielder] Mark van Bommel and [ex-Roma goalkeeper] Maarten Stekelenburg for information.

"I'm happy to be here and I like the project at this club. I know that the last two seasons have not gone well, but I can't wait to get started. I hope to become a leader at this club."

Strootman moved to PSV - along with now-Napoli winger Dries Mertens - from Utrecht in 2011.

ID:97340: cacheID:97340:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:2025:
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Roma's Erik Lamela celebrates a goal against Milan on December 22, 2012
Read Next:
Lamela opens Roma contract talks?
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
FT
Ravens
30-23
Chargers
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Napoli139222091129
2Atalanta BCAtalanta1391334161828
3Inter Milan1384131141728
4Fiorentina1384127101728
5Lazio1391328141428
6Juventus136702171425
7AC Milan125432014619
8Bologna124621516-118
9Udinese135261619-317
10Empoli133731011-116
11Torino134361619-315
12Roma133461418-413
13Parma132651721-412
14Hellas VeronaHellas Verona134091732-1512
15Lecce13337621-1512
16CagliariCagliari132561424-1011
17Genoa132561124-1311
18Como132471325-1210
19Monza131661116-59
20VeneziaVenezia132291122-118


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!