Roma midfielder Kevin Strootman was pleased to have played for the Netherlands despite a lack of playing time at club level.
The 26-year-old captained the Dutch national team in their 1-1 draw against the Republic of Ireland on Friday and he was also glad that Netherlands coach Danny Blind selected him despite a two-year absence.
“It’s a very special feeling to see the trust they have placed in me with my selection, although it is for some friendlies,” Strootman said on the Roma official website.
“Unfortunately, we won’t compete at the Euros but for me it’s just great to have the opportunity to play for a few minutes now that the season is over and I feel good training with my Dutch international teammates.”
Strootman has been battling with knee injuries for most of his career at Roma but he is now focused on retaining full fitness.
“I will not go into details about operations and things like that,” he added. “After my first surgery, I came back and played a bit but I did not feel the same.
“I am better now of course. I want to stay and continue like this because I am not 100 per cent or at a level in which the other midfielders find themselves in.
“I am still not there yet but I am working to get there.”
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Source: forzaitalianfootball.com