Kevin Strootman is delighted to have seen Roma fend off interest from “every club in Europe” and keep Radja Nainggolan in the Italian capital.
The Serie A outfit have seen a number of key figures head through the exit this summer, with sales sanctioned for Mohamed Salah, Antonio Rudiger and Leandro Paredes.
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They have, however, been able to retain the services of Nainggolan despite the likes of Chelsea and Manchester United being heavily linked with the Belgium international.
Roma have even been able to tie the 29-year-old down to fresh terms which will take him through to 2021, much to the delight of his Stadio Olimpico team-mates.
Dutch midfielder Strootman told Sky Sport Italia: “I am happy that Nainggolan and Daniele De Rossi stayed at Roma.
“Daniele is our captain, while every club in Europe wanted Radja, but he stayed here and we are happy about that.
“Roma did a great job by keeping them and we’re stronger for it.”
While Nainggolan has opted to stay put, it has been a summer of change for Roma.
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Along with the aforementioned sales, the Serie A outfit have also seen club legend Francesco Totti slip into retirement and coach Luciano Spalletti head to rivals Inter.
Eusebio Di Francesco is now at the helm and Strootman is looking forward to opening an exciting new chapter.
He added: “It’s only natural that the new coach wants to change things and play his style of football.
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“It’s also true that we need a little time to get the hang of it, but there are still three weeks before the start of the season.
“Eusebio Di Francesco is very clear on what he wants. Last year we played quite a few games with the 4-3-3 system.
“We’ve got a good group and some left, but we’re still ready for this season and eager to fight for the Scudetto.”
Roma will open their 2017-18 Serie A campaign with a trip to Atalanta on August 20.
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