Bournemouth forward Justin Kluivert appreciated his time at Roma but wouldn’t name Serie A as one of his favourite leagues, feeling teams ‘take too few risks’.
The 24-year-old winger, who is the son of former Netherlands star Patrick Kluivert, spent five years of his career attached to the Giallorossi from 2018 to 2023, initially spending time in the first team before bouncing around various European clubs on loan.
Roma sold Kluivert to Bournemouth in June of last year in a deal worth around €13m total, ending his attachment to Serie A. He ultimately failed to impress in the Italian topflight, scoring just nine goals and providing 10 assists across 68 games for the Giallorossi.
Speaking to Gianluca Di Marzio, Kluivert first discussed his first few months in the Premier League with Bournemouth.
“Now after many loans, I have signed a contract with Bournemouth, and I like that. I will enjoy the next few years here.”
He reflected on his time in Italy.
“I learned a lot in Italy, and I have a lot of love for Roma. They were two wonderful years that I enjoyed. Going from the Ajax school to Roma, I can say that I learned a lot in the capital, and I will always be grateful to Rome.”
The Dutch forward commented on decision to move abroad as a teenager.
“You never know how things would’ve gone. If I had stayed at Ajax maybe I would no longer have been a starter and the Giallorossi train wouldn’t have passed by. And then I had been there all my life, since I was a child.”
Finally, Kluivert looked back at his time in Serie A and his feelings now.
“For me, Serie A is a great league. Having played there, I can say that it is also very difficult, very tough. They play a different type of football, not necessarily too defensive, but the teams certainly take few risks.
“But if you ask me which league is my favourite, I wouldn’t say Serie A because I’m a fast player who likes counterattacking. But we’re talking about a good league, not a small one.”
#Kluivert: “#SerieA? Non è il mio campionato preferito. #Roma nel cuore”https://t.co/pr9WTPFbKk
— Gianluca Di Marzio (@DiMarzio) February 19, 2024