Kevin Strootman insists he was “not forced out of Roma, it was my decision to try a new experience” at Olympique Marseille.
The midfielder’s sudden departure in the final days of the transfer window, with no replacement, was one of the reasons why fans turned on director Monchi and President Jim Pallotta.
“A club can force you to leave even if you don’t want to go, but that is not what happened with me,” assured Strootman in L’Equipe.
Kevin Strootman insists he was “not forced out of Roma, it was my decision to try a new experience” at Olympique Marseille.
The midfielder’s sudden departure in the final days of the transfer window, with no replacement, was one of the reasons why fans turned on director Monchi and President Jim Pallotta.
“A club can force you to leave even if you don’t want to go, but that is not what happened with me,” assured Strootman in L’Equipe.
“Rudi Garcia called, he wanted me at Marseille and I had good sensations after the chat with both him and the directors. They really did want me.
“Roma had purchased other players during the transfer window, but it was the right moment for me to try a new experience.
“After five years at Roma, Marseille arrived and they too are a big club with great fans. Roma didn’t kick me out. Perhaps the directors just didn’t have the same faith in me they had in previous years, but it was still my decision to leave.”