Kevin Strootman is relishing the chance to have a crack at Serie A after joining Roma from PSV Eindhoven.
The Holland midfielder has signed a five-year deal with the Giallorossi after the two clubs agreed a fee reported to be €20 million.
Strootman wrote on his personal website: “I am very excited to be able to play for this great club.
“It is the next stage in my career development after being at Sparta, FC Utrecht and PSV, a club at which I had a lot of fun.”
The 23-year-old admitted he had sought the advice of PSV team-mate, and former Milan midfielder, Mark van Bommel before opting to move to Italy.
Strootman told De Telegraaf: “He was the man with experience of Italy.
“Mark said how great the passion of the fans was, how special the atmosphere in the stadiums was and how there was a totally different football culture.
“What counts for me is the number of big games I am going to play here.
“I will train every day with top players and get to play against the likes of Inter, Juventus and Napoli.”
Meanwhile, midfielder Miralem Pjanic wants to stay at Roma despite being linked to Premier League sides Tottenham and Arsenal.
The 23-year-old £20-million rated playmaker joined the Serie A side from Lyon in 2011 on a four-year deal reportedly valued at €11 million (£9.5million), but is yet to sign a contract extension.
However, amid interest from other clubs, Pjanic remains clear on where he wants to be in the near future.
“I don’t want to leave. Everyone at the club knows that,” Pjanic said.
“I’ve always wanted to stay here. I want to give everything to start the season well. I don’t know about the financial situation at the club.
“A new contract? It doesn’t happen overnight. We’re talking about it.
“The desire is there and we’ll see what happens in the future.”
Pjanic is also ready to fight for his place in coach Rudi Garcia’s side.
“There are a number of us in that position (midfield) and whoever’s on form will be in the team,” he said.
“The coach will find the right system. We need to do what we can to let the new signings settle.
“There are some great players who can help us to achieve success. Then it’ll be up to the coach to decide who to pick.”