Strootman: I knew a long time ago I wanted to stay here

The Dutch midfielder signed a new five-year contract with the club on Monday, and is aiming for success with the Giallorossi in the near future.

You’ve signed a contract renewal until 2022 today: how are you feeling right now?

"I’m very happy. It’s a special moment. Roma always supported me when I was out of action with a serious injury: the directors, fans, players and coaches helped me throughout, so I’m very happy to stay here."

What was your biggest reason for staying at Roma?

"I’m happy here and I really like the city, the team, the football and Italy overall. There were some rumours in the press, but I have a good relationship with the directors and we were often in contact. I knew a long time ago I’d be staying here."

Did the club’s support during your injury increase your love for the shirt?

"Definitely. It was the first time I had to deal with such a massive injury; I didn’t play for two years. They all stood by me here, including the medical staff and everybody who works at the club. This is special and it’s part of the reason I want to stay. I’m also staying at Roma because I want to win here, because everyone has told me that if I win something in this city it will be fantastic. I will do everything to lift a trophy here."

You were sublime in the last match of the season against Genoa. Was that the true Kevin Strootman we saw yesterday?

"I don’t know; it’s up to you to say. I always give it my all for the team. In some matches I play well, in others less so, but I always do everything I can. It wasn’t easy to get back to top form after my injury. I always work hard and I’m happy if the team wins, regardless of my performance.

"I’ve had some tough moments this season. There was a period when I wasn’t playing well. Last season I only played four or five games, while there have been 40 or 50 this year, which is physically and mentally difficult. The gaffer still picked me even when I was performing badly and that gave me self-belief. It was special scoring in the Rome Derby in the first half of the season. It really boosted my confidence because scoring in front of our fans in a derby is truly unique."

What’s your overall assessment of this season?

"We didn’t win a trophy and Roma always play to win. In Serie A, we came second behind a really strong Juventus side, a step above the other title contenders. We shouldn’t have lost as we did in the Europa League: we played really well at home and just needed one more goal. The derby loss in the Coppa Italia was tough to take as well. Nevertheless, we’ve secured second place. Playing in the Champions League is very important for this city and this club; it was our objective and we’ve achieved it."

The 2016-17 season was one of the best in Roma’s history, with more points and goals than ever before. Are we on the right track?

"We’ve done very well to finish second in Italy ahead of Napoli, Inter, AC Milan and other good sides. Some sources spoke disparagingly of us and talked up Napoli as having a great season, but we were the ones who finished second and we did very well. We’re pleased, but we want to win something. We have to work hard in the right way to get there. I hope it happens next season."

We were all part of the tribute to an immense footballer in Francesco Totti on Sunday. What was going through your head at the time?

"It was really special. I think he could continue playing for another five years. Being near him in the changing room and on the pitch is extraordinary. All over the world people talk about him, our captain. He’s changed football and is a symbol for this city. He is Roma. Yesterday was emotional for everybody involved. I have never seen so many people in tears; 50-year-old men were getting emotional, as were all my team-mates. I consider myself very lucky to have trained and played with him."

The club’s new sporting director Monchi joined one month ago. Have you had a chance to chat with him? Has he told you his plans for the future?

"Yes, we have spoken. He asked me straight away if I wanted to stay or not. I told him I did and he said, ‘Let’s sign the contract then, we need to come to an agreement.’ I like this about him: he’s direct and won trophies at Sevilla. I’m really pleased he came here because he had other options. It means Roma want to improve and I believe this is the right way forward."

Do you have a message for the fans?

"I just want to thank them. When I was injured and not playing, you helped me so much. You were always sending me messages. I want to thank you all. I’m very happy I’m staying here for another five years. We have to win something together. We need you."