‘Roma don’t need to replace Strootman’

Roma President James Pallotta insists the club do not need to replace Kevin Strootman as he closes in on a move to Olympique Marseille.

Strootman’s reunion with Rudi Garcia will see Roma pocket €28m including bonuses and the midfielder sign a five-year contract worth €4.5m per season.

Roma President James Pallotta insists the club do not need to replace Kevin Strootman as he closes in on a move to Olympique Marseille.

Strootman’s reunion with Rudi Garcia will see Roma pocket €28m including bonuses and the midfielder sign a five-year contract worth €4.5m per season.

However, Calciomercato.com reports the Dutchman was ‘emotional’ when leaving the Giallorossi’s training ground for the final time and ‘angry’ with the club’s decision to sell him.

The transfer is also more surprising as the 28-year-old had always spoken of his desire to stay at the Olimpico and raised his family in the capital, so what did Pallotta think of the situation?

“Why must we replace him?” he asked Il Messaggero.