Georginio Wijnaldum reveals he asked Mo Salah about the Roma transfer and Jose Mourinho told him ‘the right things,’ but the passionate welcome from fans was particularly surprising after ‘the situation’ at PSG.

The midfielder made the move from PSG on loan with an option to buy for approximately €10m, but will become an obligation if the Giallorossi qualify for the Champions League.

Negotiations dragged on for weeks as they tried to secure a deal, with his €9m per season salary proving an obstacle, eventually split during the loan period between the two clubs.

“I felt really appreciated, it’s a really good feeling to be at Roma,” said Wijnaldum.

Although he had already played against Roma, he still asked former Liverpool teammate Mohamed Salah and fellow Netherlands international Kevin Strootman about what life was like with the Giallorossi.

“Everyone I spoke to said it’s a really good step in your career. When I saw the effort the club put in to sign me, I realised I was really wanted and saw the love I got from the fans already. It was amazing.

“My brother had so many messages on social media from fans who wanted me to sign, it had nothing to do with football!”

The Dutchman was greeted at Ciampino Airport by hundreds of fans chanting his name yesterday, which he admits is a world away from the protests that PSG fans staged even during their Ligue 1 title celebrations.

“I was surprised! From the situation I came from, to see fans who appreciate you and are happy that you are joining the club is amazing. It’s a really really good feeling to see fans happy with you.”

The presence of coach Jose Mourinho was also a key element, along with the conversations they had with director Tiago Pinto.

“We spoke a little bit, but not too much, because it took a while for me to get to Rome and I wasn’t sure I would join this club. We’ve been in contact, he said the right things at the right moment, what I needed to hear.

“He’s really experienced and gave me a really good feeling. Of course, everyone knows Mourinho, the players who worked with him also spoke highly of him.”

Roma won the Europa Conference League last season, beating one of Wijnaldum’s former clubs Feyenoord in the Final.

“They hurt me! That’s one of the teams I love the most, so at that moment they hurt me a lot…”

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