Maarten Stekelenburg introduced himself to the Roma fans. “I'm very proud to be here, as it's exactly what I wanted.”
The goalkeeper completed his transfer from Ajax this week for around €6m and held his presentation Press conference this afternoon.
Maarten Stekelenburg introduced himself to the Roma fans. “I'm very proud to be here, as it's exactly what I wanted.”
The goalkeeper completed his transfer from Ajax this week for around €6m and held his presentation Press conference this afternoon.
“I want to begin by telling everyone I am very happy and proud to be here, as it's exactly what I wanted. Now I can't wait for the season to get started,” declared the Dutchman.
“Roma appeared very early in the summer and when they came looking for me, they represented my ideal destination.
“I was here last weekend and got to know Coach Luis Enrique with a few of my new teammates, but only started training today and I'm happy to finally be a part of the squad.
“My objective is to win trophies with Roma. I heard there was interest in other goalkeepers, but I'm here now and I'm happy with that. Forza Roma.”
The shot-stopper was snapped up on a cut-price deal because his contract with Ajax was set to expire in June 2012, while he is just returning from a long injury lay-off.
“I was out for 2-3 months when I fractured the thumb on my left hand, but now I'm fine and feel no pain,” insisted Stekelenburg.
“I don't model myself on a goalkeeper as such, but I consider Edwin van der Sar and Gigi Buffon to be among the best in the world.
“I'll do my best and try to have a good season. I don't care if I'm considered better than any other goalkeeper, as what matters to me is to be in good shape and help my team win.”
Stekelenburg chose shirt number 24 to mark his son's birthday.