​Roma, Strootman: “Optimistic about my renewal. Me to Juventus? ‘almost’ impossible”

He received a two-match ban only to see it cancelled shorty after: Kevin Strootman spoke about this and more to La Gazzetta dello Sport: “When I heard the news I was surprised. I was sleeping and then out of nowhere I saw the messages in our group chat, everyone was shocked. That being said, I shouldn’t have splashed Cataldi. Yes, he played his part, but it is my fault nonetheless. Giving me a match ban for simulation wouldn’t have been right though”.

Spalletti likes to use Strootman’s facial expression as an example: “Look at pictures of when I play: There isn’t one in which i'm laughing. I’m always concentrated, my mind is always focused on winning. The lads always ask “Are you always mad?” when in reality I’m calm. This doesn’t mean there’s a difference between Edin and I, he has the same will to win”. On the Rüdiger-Lulic situation: “When he heard the comments Toni wasn’t sad, just surprised. If Lulic truly thinks what he says then I feel bad for him. If two years ago Rüdiger sold socks, and now he plays for Roma while convincingly winning a derby, it means he worked well”.

On his two upcoming opponents, Milan and Juventus: “For Milan if I could, I would remove Suso, Bonaventura and Bacca from their lineup. As a team they’re very strong, it shows when they win games in which they play bad. For Juventus? All 23 players”. But would Kevin ever play for Juve? The answer has slightly changed: “When they asked if I would play for them I would have said No to everything, but I can confirm its almost impossible. As a kid I figured I would have loved to play in the Premier League, but it’s impossible to know the future. For now I’m happy here and I want to win something. Renewal? We’re working towards it, I’m optimistic”.

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