Marseille sign €25m Strootman from Roma
Kevin Strootman has reunited with former Roma boss Rudi Garcia after agreeing to join Ligue 1 side Marseille.
Marseille have completed the signing of Kevin Strootman from Roma for an initial fee of €25million.
The Netherlands international has agreed to a contract of undisclosed length with the Ligue 1 club, who are coached by former Roma boss Rudi Garcia.
Marseille announced the news with a Twitter video appearing to show the player parachute into the training ground, where he was met by sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta.
The footage ends by showing Strootman in a Marseille shirt, as though he had been playing himself in the popular video game Fortnite.
C'était écrit. Venu de l'eau pour mettre le feu August 28, 2018
The midfielder joined Roma – who confirmed the fee, which could rise by another €3m – on a five-year deal in 2013, but he suffered a serious knee injury in 2014 that saw him miss most of the next two years.
He returned to regular football in 2016-17 and played a key role in his side's run to the Champions League semi-finals last term.
According to some reports in Italy, Strootman had wanted to stay at Stadio Olimpico and broke down when he told his team-mates he had been told he was no longer part of the club's plans.
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Roma signed Steven Nzonzi, Javier Pastore and Bryan Cristante to bolster their midfield during the Serie A transfer window.
4 - Kevin Strootman will become the 4th player from the Netherlands to play a Ligue 1 game for in the last 45 seasons, after Tscheu La Ling, Karim Rekik & Boudewijn Zenden. Mimolette. August 28, 2018
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