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Justin Kluivert has reiterated that he has no regrets about joining Roma.
Yesterday, Kluivert's former teammates at Ajax continued their Champions League fairytale by eliminating Italian champions Juventus, having already beaten Real Madrid in the last round. For the 19-year-old, it hasn't been as exciting a season, with the winger restricted to just 12 Serie A starts. His father, Dutch legend Patrick, had already suggested that Kluivert should have stayed at Ajax for longer, but the Roma starlet was philosophical when asked the inevitable question of if he regretted leaving. "It’s wonderful to see Ajax performing in the Champions League,” he told Algemeen Dagblad. "I’m very happy for my former teammates and I wish them all the best. It’s easy to say that I could’ve been there too, but I touched the quarter-finals here at Roma. I took a certain path and I have no regrets. “Living alone in a new country and testing myself in another league has made me stronger and taught me a lot. “In Serie A every team are well prepared tactically. For example, it was even a battle against Chievo who are bottom. “At Ajax, on the other hand, we won almost all our matches in the first half." Kluivert sat out the win over Udinese on Saturday, but started the two matches before that, getting both assists in the 2-2 draw with Fiorentina. He is under contract at Roma until 2023. Want more Roma on your timeline? Like the new Giallorossi Yorkshire Facebook page!
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Justin Kluivert's debut season at Roma hasn't all gone to plan this year, with the young winger limited to just seven starts in Serie A.
Now his father, Dutch legend Patrick, has revealed that he thinks the 19-year-old made the move to Roma too early in his career. Speaking to sport360.com, the former Barcelona striker said: "Personally I said always, stay one or two years more with Ajax. But as a father, you need to follow and respect the decision of your son. "So, I did. I don't think he made the best decision, but he made a good decision and he is feeling great at the moment in Rome. "Of course, he wants to play more minutes. But he is 19 years old and he can't demand things. "When he is playing he is doing his best. He is feeling good in his position and that is enough for me. "I want to see how next year will be, if he gets more minutes in the starting XI." Kluivert recorded an assist on his league debut for Roma, crossing the ball for Edin Dzeko's volley in the season opener against Torino. He also became Roma's youngest ever Champions League scorer by netting in the 5-0 win over Viktoria Plzen. Justin Kluivert has confirmed he will wear the number 34 shirt for Roma.
The Dutch attacker recently joined Roma from Ajax, and announced via Instagram his decision behind his new squad number. Kluivert will wear 34 as a tribute to former Ajax teammate Abdelhak Nouri, who was forced to retire from football at the age of 20 after a cardiac arrhythmia. 34 was Nouri's shirt number at Ajax. "Why 34?" Kluivert wrote. "Appie's number. My prayers and shirt number for you, my friend-brother who taught me so much." Kluivert becomes the sixth player to wear the number 34 for Roma. No player has worn it for more than two seasons yet. Roma have signed highly-rated forward Justin Kluivert from Ajax on a five-year deal.
The 19-year-old winger joins for a fee of €17.25m plus bonuses. Kluivert, son of Dutch legend Patrick, is one of Europe’s most sought-after young players. He scored 10 goals in 30 appearances for the Eredivisie club last season. He will be looking to transfer his goalscoring form across to his new club, who admittedly have been over-reliant on Edin Dzeko to get the goals over the past twelve months. Kluivert told the club’s website of his delight at having signed. “I’m feeling great,” he said. “I’m at an unbelievable club and I can’t wait to start. “I think Roma is a great club for me - I think they can build me into a bigger, stronger player and I can do some nice things here.” Roma beat the likes of Manchester United and Barcelona to the youngster’s signature. Kluivert mainly plays as a left winger but can operate anywhere across the front line. Benvenuto, Justin. Radja Nainggolan has been made available for transfer, according to La Repubblica.
Nainggolan has generally excelled in his time at Roma, but has endured a difficult season, which was topped off by his omission from the Belgium World Cup squad. Now, the 30-year-old has reportedly been told he can leave the club, with Luciano Spalletti keen for a reunion with the midfielder at Inter. It will take a bid of €40m for the Nerazzurri to capture him. If Nainggolan does leave, a replacement could be Niccolo Barella. The young midfielder has shone for Cagliari this season, and according to La Nuova Sardegna, is of interest to Roma. The Sardinian club want to take Leandro Castan from Roma on a permanent basis after a loan spell, and Monchi could ask for Barella to move the other way. Corriere Dello Sport report that Stephan El Shaarawy could be exiting the Stadio Olimpico, as Fiorentina are keen to sign him. The winger has been hot and cold for Roma this season, and may relish the opportunity to play every week at a good level in Florence. La Viola may be concerned about a departure for Federico Chiesa - for whom Roma recently had a bid rejected, according to sources. The same paper also believes Roma have an edge over Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Justin Kluivert. The forward would prefer the move to Rome as he believes he would get more game time. Roma are reported to have bid around €25m for his services. His Ajax teammate Hakim Ziyech could also make the same move, as De Telegraaf claims Monchi has met with his agent to discuss a deal. Roma are willing to offer a five-year contract to the Morocco attacking midfielder. On the depatures front, Bruno Peres could be leaving Roma after two unsuccessful seasons. Calciomercato claim that Porto are set to agree a €9m signing of the full back, who may be a replacement for the potentially Manchester United-bound Diogo Dalot. Turkish source Fanatik believe Besiktas are interested in taking Juan Jesus from Roma. The Super Lig club would seek a loan with an option to buy. On Saturday it was reported by Tuttosport that Torino are also keen. One day after making their first signing of the summer, Roma are already looking to add further reinforcements.
Calciomercato reports that Monchi is hoping to complete a double deal for two Ajax players. Justin Kluivert, son of Patrick, is seen as a possibility for the left wing, and his teammate Hakim Ziyech is also under consideration for the midfield. Roma are willing to part with €40m for the duo, although Ajax's valuation is closer to €50m. Ziyech will be in action for Morocco at the World Cup, after choosing them over the Netherlands. Corriere Dello Sport has added to the fuel linking Kluivert to Roma, after the Dutch attacker liked Ante Coric's Instagram post of his new Roma jersey. It appears the 19-year-old is paying close attention to the affairs of the Giallorossi. Gazzetta Dello Sport reports that Kostas Manolas could be headed out of Rome though, as Carlo Ancelotti desires him for his Napoli side. Manolas' low release clause means he will have no shortage of suitors, but would he really move to another Serie A rival? Stay tuned to Giallorossi Yorkshire throughout the summer for more Roma transfer updates. |
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