The Dutchman reveals: “I didn’t want to go back to Marseille and President Giulini convinced me to come here. I want to do well”
CAGLIARI. Kevin Strootman is the new reference point for the Cagliari midfield: it is difficult to imagine such a situation when Rome just three years ago mumbled about his move to Marseille. «When I was on vacation I spoke to President Giulini – explained the Dutch midfielder at a press conference – I now wanted to leave Marseille and he convinced me to wear the rossoblù shirt. In the last part of last season I played with Genoa, finding myself very well, now I want to do well here. Right from the start the feeling with his teammates was excellent ».
His teammates, especially those who are closest on the pitch, impressed him: «I had already seen the great quality available to the team as I played against Cagliari last season. During the retreat, Marin impressed me; Also very important is the return of Rog who is fully recovering, obviously I was impressed by Joao Pedro, although I already knew what a great player he was. We have potentially 25 players in the squad, we must be ready when the coach calls us into question ».
Situation? “There is still work to be done especially physically – he said – we still have a few weeks of work to get ready for the first official commitments”. Good intentions. «I always feel the responsibility when I arrive in a new team. I don’t like to lose and I would like to convey my mentality to all my teammates. I am convinced that part of the quality of a team is given by the mentality, on this I hope to be able to give my contribution. Then I am someone who plays well if the team is doing well and I believe that together with the other experienced players it is our job to help the younger players, even on a human as well as a technical level ».
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