Former Marseille, Roma and PSV Man Calls Time On Career

Kevin Strootman, the former AS Roma, PSV Eindhoven and Netherlands midfielder, has announced his retirement from football at the age of 34.

After being without a club since leaving Genoa, Strootman has decided to hang up his boots, putting an end to a long and notable career in European football. During that time he played in the Netherlands, France and Italy, winning the KNVB Cup.

Strootman, capped 46 times for the Netherlands, had been contemplating retirement for some time. During his final months at Genoa, he publicly acknowledged that he might call time on his career. “When you play less and less and your level drops a bit, your words in the dressing room are worth less. This summer I will make a decision. If I can no longer reach a certain level, I might quit,” Strootman said in an interview with DAZN, via VI.

His decision comes after a summer of reflection and the realisation that he could no longer perform at the level he once did. Sparta Rotterdam, the club where Strootman began his career, made an effort to bring him back, but the deal did not materialise.

Career Highlights at Roma and International Level

Strootman’s career saw him play for top clubs in Europe, beginning in the Netherlands with FC Utrecht and PSV before making his high-profile move to AS Roma in 2013. During his time in the Italian capital, despite suffering from severe knee injuries that hampered his progress, he became a fan favourite, making over 100 appearances for the club.

His leadership and commanding presence in midfield earned him praise from both teammates and opponents. Rudi Garcia, his coach at Roma, later brought Strootman to Olympique Marseille. However, after Garcia’s departure, Strootman’s playing time diminished, leading to loan spells at Genoa and Cagliari before he ultimately settled at Stadio Luigi Ferraris with Genoa.

In his final season, Strootman received a moving tribute at the Stadio Olimpico, where Roma’s most passionate supporters, seated in the Curva Sud, paid homage to him. After an emotional embrace with former teammate Daniele de Rossi, he completed a lap of honour, marking the end of an era for the midfielder. His last professional match took place five days later, at home against Bologna.

International Career and Retirement Decision

On the international stage, Strootman earned 46 caps for the Dutch national team. He was part of the squad for the 2012 European Championship, although he did not feature in any matches during the tournament in Ukraine and Poland, as coach Bert van Marwijk opted not to give him playing time.

Reflecting on his career, Strootman had hinted earlier this year that his time in football might be coming to an end. His remarks about declining form and influence in the dressing room were a clear indication that retirement was on the horizon. Despite Sparta Rotterdam’s attempt to bring him back to where it all started, Strootman’s decision to retire marks the end of a remarkable journey in football.

Our View

Kevin Strootman’s retirement comes as no surprise to those who followed his career closely. A powerful and intelligent midfielder, his influence extended far beyond the pitch. While injuries plagued much of his career, particularly during his time at AS Roma, Strootman’s leadership qualities and resilience won him admirers throughout Europe.

His retirement leaves a gap not only for his former clubs but for Dutch football as a whole. A player with his experience and talent is difficult to replace. However, his decision to step away from the game is understandable given the physical toll his body has endured. The tributes from fans, especially at Roma, reflect the lasting impact Strootman has had on those he played with and for. His contributions to football will be remembered long after his last match at Genoa.