Strootman scores on return to action
Kevin Strootman scored a penalty for the Roma Primavera side as he made his first competitive appearance of the season.
Roma fans were treated to a welcome sight on Friday as Kevin Strootman scored on his return to competitive football.
The Netherlands international stroked home a penalty in Roma Primavera's emphatic 6-0 win over Avellino.
Strootman has been training with Alberto De Rossi's young side in recent weeks in a bid to regain fitness following surgery on his latest knee problem in September.
The 25-year-old took to Twitter following the match to describe the "incredible feeling" of getting back on a football pitch.
Strootman stated last month that he aims to be back for Luciano Spalletti's side by the middle of February.
"I feel much better," he said at a meeting with supporters. "I'll play a short match with the Primavera, then return to training with the first team in mid-February.
"I hope to return to playing with my team-mates soon. My goal is to win something in this shirt, and give a trophy to the fans because they deserve it."
Get FourFourTwo Newsletter
The best features, fun and footballing quizzes, straight to your inbox every week.
'People will remember us because we got to No.1 in the world rankings and achieved great things - but our biggest regret is that we didn’t win anything': Ex-Everton star Kevin Mirallas opens up on 'honour' of being part of nation's golden generation
‘I’m sure we’d have finished in the top four or five if he hadn’t joined Chelsea in January. Him leaving damaged the team, but we couldn’t stand in his way’: Alan Curbishley reflects on failed Champions League dream after selling key player