Kluivert: Rome was the right choice for me

The young Dutchman, who joined the Giallorossi in the summer, spoke about his experiences in the Italian capital - and his approach to life.

The teenager began by affirming his confidence in his decision to make the leap from Ajax - where he began his footballing career - to Serie A.

“I’m convinced this was the right choice for me,” Kluivert told Sportsweek.

“I thought it would be a positive step forward for me and I felt like that was the case after a month here.

"I knew that it wasn’t going to be easy, because I was going into a new culture and way of life that I wasn’t used to – but playing for Roma is a way to expand my horizons as a player and a person.”

Is it difficult to stay relaxed playing for Roma?

“There’s so much you can do with confidence. I start to feel that if I start the game well, for example. But it is also about transmitting the right impressiong to my teammates, that I am open and ready to produce something. In that way my idols are Cristiano Ronaldo and Neymar."

Which of those do you prefer?

“Ronaldo. My dad was a hero to me, but Ronaldo is the model example of a modern player.”

Did you think it would be easier to adjust to Serie A?

“It’s a type of football that is a bit more tactical than what I was used to. I have to be a bit more demanding of myself, because I know there is so much more I can do. But at the same time I need to learn to put a little less pressure on myself.”

What effect has being called Kluivert had on your character?

“Nothing. It’s something normal for me, and I try to play football and grow as a person in the same way – trying to make the people around me happy.”

What would you have done in life if you had not been a footballer?

“I never really thought about it. I would have continued with school probably. While I was at school I did a cooking course, which I did pretty well in.”

Do you pay a lot of attention to your appearance?

“Away from the pitch I try to dress with a bit of style, freshness. When I’m going to training I prefer to be a bit more comfortably, sporty – but in the evenings I like to wear a sharp jacket, a shirt and good-fitting trousers. An outfit that is classy but not too formal – I never really wear a tie. On the pitch I feel good when I am able to express my style of playing. To do that I need to feel comfortable.”

What was your reaction to experiencing a city like Rome for the first time, a place that is full of style and amazing architecture?

“Even that had an influence on my decision to come and play here. For me it is important to live well, in a beautiful city with elegance, high culture and everything else. I took a tour of the Vatican, that was incredible.”

On the pitch do you ever get scared?

“If you go out there with fear you will never be able to play as well as you can. Feeling a bit of tension is something different though, that’s something you need to have the right amount of. What scares me in life? Monsters under the bed!"