Roma sell star midfielder Strootman to Marseille

Roma are selling central midfielder Kevin Strootman to Olympique Marseille, confims director of sport Monchi.

28-year-old Strootman is already in France to complete his move to the Ligue 1 side for €25 million ($40m) plus a potential €3 million in bonuses.

The move has caused concern among Roma fans because the Dutchman is the second key midfielder to depart, after Radja Nainggolan's transfer to Inter Milan, and the Serie A transfer window has already closed.

At Marseille, Strootman links up with his former Roma coach Rudi Garcia.

Two of his five seasons at Roma were injury-plagued, but he featured in 44 matches last term as the Giallorossi staged an incredible upset against Barcelona on the way to the UEFA Champions League semi-finals and finished third in Serie A.

Reports have emerged that Strootman was unhappy with the move and claimed he was forced out by Roma, but Monchi was quick to dismiss them.

"He’s a great player, but it was a decision we all made together: club, Coach and player,” he told Sky Sport Italia.

“I don’t want to get into the technical, economic or tactical issues. If you are at Roma, it’s because you want to be.

"Nobody put a gun to his head telling him to leave.

“When this situation emerged, we all decided to go forward with it.”