Kevin Strootman

On July 16, 2013, Kevin Strootman signed a contract with the Italian Serie A club AS Roma. The Dutch midfielder joined Roma from PSV Eindhoven for a reported transfer fee of €17 million, which included additional performance-related bonuses. Strootman's arrival was seen as a significant acquisition for Roma as he was considered a versatile and dynamic midfielder who could contribute both defensively and offensively. At Roma, Strootman quickly established himself as a vital part of the team's midfield, earning praise for his work rate, tactical intelligence, and leadership on the field.

On March 9, 2014, during a match against Napoli, Kevin Strootman suffered a serious anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury, which greatly impacted his playing career. This injury occurred in the first half of the match and led to Strootman being sidelined for several months, forcing him to miss the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Strootman was expected to play a key role for the Netherlands in the World Cup, and his absence was a significant blow to both the national team and AS Roma. This injury was the first of several knee problems that would plague Strootman in subsequent years.

Despite Kevin Strootman's serious knee injury in early 2014, Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) expressed significant interest in signing the talented Dutch midfielder. Reports on March 19, 2014, indicated that PSG was willing to make a sizable offer to secure Strootman's services, even considering his long-term absence from the field due to the ACL injury. This interest underscored Strootman's high reputation in European football, as clubs were still eager to consider him a valuable addition to their squads. However, the transfer did not materialize, and Strootman remained committed to his recovery and his contract with AS Roma.

Kevin Strootman made his long-awaited return to the pitch on November 7, 2014, after being sidelined for eight months due to an ACL injury sustained in March that year. He came on as a substitute for AS Roma in a match against Torino, much to the delight of the fans and management who had eagerly awaited his return. His recovery was closely monitored, considering the severity of his injury and the subsequent surgeries he had undergone to ensure a full recovery. Strootman's return was seen as a major boost for Roma as they pursued their objectives in the domestic league and European competitions.

On January 31, 2015, Kevin Strootman faced a devastating setback in his recovery from the earlier ACL injury, suffering another injury to his knee. This incident occurred during a Serie A match against Fiorentina, which saw Strootman removed from the match prematurely. Despite rigorous rehabilitation efforts following his initial injury, this setback required additional surgery and prolonged his absence from competitive football. The injury troubles continued to challenge Strootman's resilience and professional career. Fans and analysts worried for his future as recurring injuries hindered development.

After enduring multiple surgeries and an extensive rehabilitation process, Kevin Strootman made an official return to play on March 1, 2016. He was reintroduced to AS Roma's squad in a Serie A match as a substitute, marking his return after 13 months of absence due to an injury that required significant recovery time. Strootman's return was greeted with widespread enthusiasm and relief among Roma supporters and the football community, highlighting the player's resilience and dedication to overcome what had been a challenging period in his career.

On May 28, 2017, Kevin Strootman celebrated his first trophy win with AS Roma as the club secured a runners-up position in the Italian Serie A. While this was not an actual trophy victory like a cup triumph, the season was noteworthy as Roma achieved their best league finish since the 2009-2010 season. Strootman played a pivotal role throughout the campaign, showcasing his abilities in the midfield by contributing both goals and assists. His leadership and performances were critical to Roma's success in the league, earning him plaudits from fans and analysts.

On August 28, 2018, Kevin Strootman completed a move from AS Roma to the French Ligue 1 club Olympique de Marseille. The transfer fee was reported to be around €25 million, inclusive of bonuses, which marked the end of Strootman's five-year stint in Rome. At Marseille, Strootman was brought in to add experience and strength to the midfield, signing a five-year contract with the club. His time at Roma had seen him overcome significant challenges with injuries, yet he remained a fan favorite known for his determination and tactical astuteness on the field.

Kevin Strootman joined Genoa C.F.C. on loan from Olympique de Marseille on January 14, 2021. The move back to Italy was seen as a good opportunity for Strootman to regain form and fitness in a league where he had succeeded with AS Roma earlier in his career. During his loan spell with Genoa, Strootman contributed to the team by providing midfield stability and experience. Despite challenges such as limited game time and fitness issues, Strootman used his experience to aid Genoa in their Serie A campaign.

On August 2, 2022, Kevin Strootman moved on loan to the Serie B club Cagliari Calcio from Olympique de Marseille. The loan deal was aimed at providing him with more competitive playing time, as he continued to look for opportunities to revive his career after several injury setbacks. At Cagliari, Strootman was expected to bring his wealth of experience to the club as they aimed for promotion to Serie A. His leadership and ability to control the tempo of the game were seen as significant assets to bolster Cagliari's squad.