Georgino Wijnaldum reveals how his former Liverpool mate Mo Salah helped him convince for his loan switch to AS Roma.
Having endured a frustrating time at PSG after his exit from Liverpool, Wijnaldum’s career has been a given second chance to revive. The Dutch midfielder has moved to the Italian capital, as he is now an AS Roma player under coach Jose Mourinho.
After the signing of Paulo Dybala on a free transfer, Roma made a second high-profile signing in terms of Wijnaldum, who brings numerous trophies into his CV, notably the Premier League and the Champions League during his time in Liverpool.
Upon his unveiling in Rome, Roma fans gave him a resounding welcome.
However, the 31-year-old’s decision to join Roma was influenced by a former Liverpool teammate. Yes, he is none other than Mo Salah.
Salah persuaded Wijnaldum to join AS Roma
Prior to joining Liverpool, Salah spent two successful years at the Stadio Olimpico in the Italian capital. The winger scored 34 goals in 82 appearances for the Giallorossi.
He then spent four years playing alongside Wijnaldum at Liverpool. They both were crucial in the Reds’ Champions League triumph and breaking the 30 years’ hoodoo for the Premier League.
At his unveiling press conference on Tuesday, Wijnaldum explained how conversations with Salah during his summer holiday and the Champions League meeting with Roma while with Liverpool made his choice to join Roma.
Speaking to the reporters the Dutchman says:
Why I wanted to come is because of the effort the club put in to sign me as a player,
And also because I spoke with Mo Salah and Kevin Strootman about Rome, about the club, about the city, and I only heard good stories about it. That convinced me a lot.
He also added,
We played one time against Roma – well two times, one time at Anfield, but one time here in Italy – and the atmosphere was amazing.
So I knew that I would play for a club that has a really good atmosphere, with beautiful supporters, supporters who support their team.
Basically that was the only thing I knew, so I asked some advice from Mo and Strootman, and they were all good stories.
But the thing that convinced me the most is the amount of effort the club put in to sign me as a player.
At that moment, I felt really wanted, appreciated by the club and that made me make the decision I made right now.
We wish Wijnaldum all the success at Roma, though there was a tinge of bitterness in the manner Dutchman left Anfield. It is great to see the midfielder moving on from his worst time at PSG.
Gini Wijnaldum will start his new journey under the guidance of the “Special One” Jose Mourinho. The Dutchman will now have played for both the Normal (Jurgen Klopp) and the Special one.
