Kevin Strootman: 'I'll come back stronger, better for Roma'

Kevin Strootman has said that he will return to the Roma side following a lengthy spell on the sidelines as a "stronger and better" player than before.

The 24-year-old central-midfielder has been out of action for more than a year after rupturing his cruciate ligaments while playing for Roma last season, but is close to a return.

"After I had my operation, there was just one mission: to be fit as soon as possible," is quoted as saying by Goal.com.

"It was difficult to be focused all of the time but, when I was in training, I was fully concentrated on my recovery.

"What makes me work hard for my recovery is that I want to be back stronger and better than when I picked up the injury. Of course I want to play as soon as possible, but only when I am fully, 100% fit so that I can be important for the squad. I don't think about my comeback for the team, but, when I am fully recovered, my first mission is to score a goal in our stadium."

Strootman missed out on Roma's title challenge in Serie A last season and the Netherlands' run to the 2014 World Cup semi-finals because of the injury.