Strootman: ‘Ready to play’

The Dutchman missed most of the last two seasons with a series of knee problems, but played 90 minutes against the Portuguese side on Wednesday and in the win over Udinese on Saturday.

“Physically I feel good,” Strootman assured in the press conference ahead of the second leg of the Champions League play-off. I’m still not playing at my top level but I feel good, for the first time I’ve played two games in three days and that’s important.

“My teammates helped me so much and mate it easier for me. I’m ready to play. Will I be captain? I don’t know if I’ll play. At this club it’s clear who the three captains are [Francesco Totti, then Daniele De Rossi and then Strootman].

“I’m happy to play with the armband, but this is the only club in the world where it’s clear who will wear it. It makes it easy for us.”

A 0-0 draw would see the Giallorossi into the Group Stage, but Strootman believes playing not to concede would be risky.

“It’s difficult, we want to score and win. We can’t play defensively the whole time, we only did that in the second half in Oporto [when down to 10 men]. In the last minute we’ll think about it, but we want to go onto the pitch to win the game.

“Are Porto weak in defence? I think it’s better not to talk about the opponent, I’ll only talk about Roma. The Coach will decide. It’ll be a tough game, in the first 30 minutes [of the away leg] we started really well, but after the red card [for Thomas Vermaelen] they created chances and they’re dangerous.

“It’ll be difficult, but we have to be in top condition both physically and mentally. We have to be ready.”

Roma Ultras spent most of last season boycotting in protest at segregation at Stadio Olimpico, bu the Dutchman hopes they’ll be out in force tomorrow.

“When the stadium is full it’s hard for the opponent to play, it’s like playing with 12 men,” Strootman implored.

“I hope the fans come to the stadium. I won’t say it’d make the match easier, but it’d be less difficult.”

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