Kevin Strootman has vowed he’s ‘ready to help’ Genoa after his return to Serie A from Marseille.
The Dutch international has moved on loan for the rest of the season and was introduced at the Centro Sportivo Signorini.
“I’m fine. I have always trained, even if I didn’t play much in the last year,” Strootman said at a press conference.
“I must probably find the rhythm again. I’m fine physically and I’m ready to play.”
Kevin Strootman has vowed he’s ‘ready to help’ Genoa after his return to Serie A from Marseille.
The Dutch international has moved on loan for the rest of the season and was introduced at the Centro Sportivo Signorini.
“I’m fine. I have always trained, even if I didn’t play much in the last year,” Strootman said at a press conference.
“I must probably find the rhythm again. I’m fine physically and I’m ready to play.”
Strootman has good memories from his time with Roma but he stressed he will be pushing to make new ones with Genoa.
“I always give everything for the club I play for. I thank the Roma fans, but also those of Genoa. I’m ready to help this team.”
Genoa currently sit 17th in Serie A with 14 points from 17 games and the Dutch midfielder believes the team are stronger than their position.
“They don’t deserve that ranking,” he said. “They are recovering and have played well in the last few games and I’m ready to help.
“[Coach Davide] Ballardini is happy that I arrived at Genoa. We talked and talked about tactics. I also want to show him that I’m ready to play.”
Strootman struggled to break into the starting line-up at Marseille and after 11 appearances in the first half of the Ligue 1 campaign, he wanted a return to Serie A.
“I haven’t played much lately. I talked to my family and we wanted to return to Italy,” he said. “Genoa was interested in me and did everything to bring me to the Rossoblu.
“Genoa had serious problems with COVID, they don’t have the position they deserve. However, there’s a great group and we want get back on top.”
Lazio face Roma at the Olimpico tonight and Strootman was asked about his thoughts of the Derby della Capitale and he has already circled the date for the match against his former club.
“It’s bad to see the derby without an audience. It’s not the same thing to play it without fans.
“Roma are a strong team, they can fight for the Scudetto. They can will all the games, but they must lose the one on March 7, when they play against us.”
Image: @marcobovicelli