Kluivert hoping to do his talking on the pitch

The Netherlands international answered questions about his aims at Roma, his thoughts on the transition so far, Francesco Totti and more...

What are your strengths and weaknesses as a player?

I am a quick player, I am good at one-on-ones, and I think I have a good eye for goal. Clearly, however, I can improve in every area – I am still a very young player. Particularly defensively, this is one area I can improve and get better.

What is the difference between training in Italy and Holland?

"In Holland, yeah, we do not sleep at the club every day and I think that is a good thing for us here – good for getting to know each other, good for working together, and good for improving together. I like it, yeah, the food, the people, everything so far. Being together, it makes everyone a better player, which is good for the team I think.

What are your main goals for this season?

“My main goal for the season? It is to show myself, not only what I did in Holland but I want to do more. I want to show the world. I am still young but I think I can learn a lot here. I can’t wait to get started in all the competitions and, yes, with the players we have I think we can do some great things this season.”

You father played in Italy, did he advise you on what to expect?

Yes, we talked about that of course – because he played there for one year. But we don’t talk just about that, but we talk about everything that comes with being a professional footballer, the steps you need to take. Because he went through what I am going through now, and I want to follow what he did and achieve the same things.”

Do you see Roma as your long-term home, or the springboard to something bigger?

“Going from Ajax to a big Italian club like Roma is a huge step forward for me. The club wants to improve, and I hope to improve as well with it. If we accomplish as a team and stay as a team we can bring Roma to an even higher level. What I am going to do after, I don’t know – maybe I will stay my whole life, maybe I won’t. We will see.

What view do you have of the Italian league? Is it as big as the Premier League?

“I don’t think Serie A is any inferior to La Liga or the Premier League. In Italy there are great clubs and great players – as you can see from the arrival of Ronaldo. Other great young players have come too. Maybe the league has been through a difficult period but now it has recovered ground and is back at the highest level.”

What made you decide to come to Roma?

“It is an important place for my career, not just as a footballer but as a person too.”

Do you think you, and the other young players, can make up for the loss of some experienced names this summer?

“That’s a good question. I will have to show it out on the pitch. I will do my best. More than that I don’t think you can ask. We will see. I think with the group we have, not just me but the other players, it is possible – but we have to show it on the field. You can say anything, but in the end you have to show it out on the pitch. That’s what I want to do, and the other players I think.

What does it mean to have Francesco Totti around the place?

“Totti is a legend here, a great player. I look him to him. I want to be like him one day, to have the respect of the people – and you can only do that by showing it on the pitch with your feet.

“I spoke to him when I arrived, I don’t know whether he had a role in my signing but definitely he is an example for me and everyone who plays for Roma.”