Strootman talks derby goals, Roma thrills, Totti and De Rossi

Words, moments and feelings are the hallmarks of a bond that was special from the very first day, when he was greeted by throngs of Giallorossi fans at Fiumicino.

 “The best moments of my career were at Roma. Just talking about it gives me goosebumps. It's the same when I think back to the derbies I played there. Speaking of which, how do you feel about Sunday?

It's never like any other game, Kevin. The last time we won a Lazio v Roma fixture was back in 2016, when you and [Radja] Nainggolan scored. Did you know that?

“I read about it on Instagram yesterday but I didn't know... Almost ten years.”

It's a long time. That goal was something you really wanted. You basically held off [Edin] Dzeko to score it. What did it mean to you?

“When I watch replays of that goal it instantly gives me a special feeling. Goosebumps. Those are the things footballers live for. You strive for those moments, to achieve a target together. Like winning a derby. Sometimes, at certain points in your career, you need to feel important. If you score a goal in the derby and you win it, you feel important. I didn't feel as important as I had before my injury, but that day I earned back a piece of my Roma. I knew how important it was for our fans.”

The first derby you played was the first one after the 2013 Coppa Italia final, with [Rudi Garcia's] 'church in the centre of the village'. What did that win mean?

“It was a strange match, with fewer fans than usual and it was on matchday four, like this year. It was after that Coppa Italia match, which I was told about, and we won. It was further confirmation that we were doing well. We didn't play particularly well that day, but we knew we weren't going to lose it. When you have [Francesco] Totti, [Daniele] De Rossi, Maicon, [Medhi] Benatia on your team, experienced players who gave you a positive feeling, it makes everything that much easier. [Federico] Balzaretti's goal felt like a liberation for all of us and for all Romanisti. Then [Adem] Ljajic scored a penalty to make it 2-0. I remember it well. He grabbed the ball. I was supposed to take it initially but I let him have it. I didn't want to miss.”

Your last derby was quite unique too. Not so much for the result [0-0] but because it was the first game after that 3-0 win over Barcelona.

“We went into that game convinced we were going to win, after pulling off the unthinkable in the Champions League. We were strong and in form. We did everything we could to win it, but we were probably a bit short on energy after everything we put into the previous game.”

How do you feel about this Sunday? You played in a lunchtime derby once, in 2017, but it didn't end well.

“I'll watch it on my phone this time. I have to take my daughter to a park with some other kids. I made this promise to her and I can't back out. But I'll follow the game for sure. And I think Roma are the better team. I don't want to upset opposition fans but it's what I think. We'll see how it goes.”

How do you win a derby?

“In these games it's not only about the quality you have; it's above all your mentality. I hope the more experienced players in the dressing room can convey that to the others. It's all about how much you want to win and make a difference.”

Why was Roma so special to you?

“Because everything happened there. It was like a summary of life. It was five years of ups and downs but I always had support from all sides. When I was playing well and when I wasn't. When I was injured and when I scored. I could feel the passion of the fans, the club officials, the coaches. Talking about Roma really does give me goosebumps. I mean it. They were the best five years of my career. I gave everything for Roma. I'm just sorry we didn't win anything. I'm really sorry about that.”

What did you know about Roma before joining?

“Roma's talismans, De Rossi and Totti. They were always there, even when the team changed. Everyone knew them, even if you had no connection to Rome. It was amazing to play in the same team as them and share a dressing room with them. When I was at PSV, I always thought that when I moved on it would be to go to the Premier League, but when Roma made me an offer and showed they wanted me at all costs, and they had Totti and De Rossi, I didn't have any doubts.”

What was it like to greet the fans at the Olimpico in Roma v Genoa in 2024 when De Rossi took you over to the Curva Sud?

“Daniele is a star. He gave that chance to greet the fans. It was the best possible send-off for my career.”

You announced your retirement a year ago and now you live in the Netherlands. What does your future hold?

“I'm happy. I'm spending a lot of time with my children. They're young and I have time to take them to school and pick them up when they finish. I'm taking the time to do things I couldn't when I was playing. I feel good. I'm in no rush to do something in football. We'll see. There's time. But one thing will never change: sempre Forza Roma!”