Juventus defender Medhi Benatia confirms he spoke to Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman about Marseille – “I told him what was waiting for him”.
The Dutchman is ready to move to Stade Velodrome for a fee in excess of €25m, with L’Équipe reporting that OM will pay €25m plus €5m in bonuses.
The newspaper spoke to a former teammate of Strootman’s about the move, and the Bianconeri defender reveals he offered advice to the Roma man.
Juventus defender Medhi Benatia confirms he spoke to Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman about Marseille – “I told him what was waiting for him”.
The Dutchman is ready to move to Stade Velodrome for a fee in excess of €25m, with L’Équipe reporting that OM will pay €25m plus €5m in bonuses.
The newspaper spoke to a former teammate of Strootman’s about the move, and the Bianconeri defender reveals he offered advice to the Roma man.
“He’s a leader, a force of nature,” Benatia, who played with Strootman in 2013-2014 and started his career at Marseille, said.
“He’s very technically clean, kind of like a Thiago Motta. He’s a very good signing, he was really loved by the local fans.
“I spoke to him on the phone and we talked a lot about the atmosphere at the Stade Velodrome. He loves that kind of atmosphere, and in terms of engagement and passion it’ll be at the top.
“I told him what was waiting for him and he was delighted!
“Rudi [Garcia] is there too, who knows him by heart. Rudi knows he’s a great player, and Kevin knows Rudi is a great Coach. Of course they wanted to work together again.
“He’ll do a lot of good in Marseille’s midfield.”