Former Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman – a loyal servant of the club for over five years making a total 131 appearances for the Giallorossi – discussed the capital club’s aspirations for Champions League football in Mourinho’s second year in Rome.
“Today’s enthusiasm is very important and a key to the club’s success,” Strootman told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “This enthusiasm had been lacking for year, but it doesn’t surprise me.”
“I watched the first home game of the season, there were 60,000 fans at the Olimpico then. When I was playing for Roma we were doing very well, but we would reach half of today’s attendance.”
“The club made big time signings, and I hope they can achieve what they set their mind to, which is making top four and thus returning to the Champions League. Roma must play the Champions League. The Scudetto is something the club can think of in a couple of years’ time.”