Georginio Wijnaldum refuses to make any harsh statements about Louis van Gaal, who passed him in June for the Nations League matches of the Dutch national team because he did not deliver at club level. The midfielder, who was sidetracked at Paris Saint-Germain and therefore chose AS Roma, hopes the national coach will include him in the selection for the Nations League matches in September against Poland and Belgium. With the approaching World Cup, he mainly wants to play every week at the Roman club.
Nevertheless, Wijnaldum chooses his words carefully in an extensive interview with the General Newspaper. “I prefer not to make any statements about it,” said 86-time international van Oranje. “If I have a problem, I have to discuss it with Van Gaal and then you can bring something out. If I now say things that he has not yet heard, that is not nice. We have had a conversation, but If I am called up, there will be another conversation,” emphasizes the Roma midfielder.
The experienced international is eager to experience the World Cup in Qatar later this year, but that was not leading in his choice for Roma. “With my choice for Roma, I did not think about the Dutch national team at all,” emphasized the controlling midfielder during his presentation in a meeting with the Dutch national team. NOS. “If I’m happy and can play well, the World Cup will come.”
Wijnaldum has consciously said ‘yes’ to Roma after the difficult period in Paris. The talks with coach Jose Mourinho were decisive for the summer acquisition. “From the moment I spoke to Mourinho, I knew I wanted to go to AS Roma,” he admits. “Every player wants to work under him and so do I.” In any case, the start with the Italians is promising. “My first practice match against Shakhtar at the Stadio Olimpico was great. On to the next game.”