Justin Kluivert still stands by his choices. The forward from Bournemouth exchanged Ajax for AS Roma at the age of nineteen, but did not succeed in the Italian capital. 'I had been there all my life, since I was a child.'
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Kluivert signed with Bournemouth last summer on a five-year contract, joining the team that was then positioned thirteenth in the Premier League.
He has become a regular starter on the English coast, marking a significant change from his fluctuating playtime in previous years. His move to Roma did not go as planned, leading to reflections on his career trajectory. Kluivert pondered, "But if I had stayed at Ajax, I might never have become a regular starter, and Roma might never have come. Besides, I had been there all my life, since I was a child."
Despite the ups and downs, the now 24-year-old forward expresses gratitude towards Roma, where he spent two formative years. In an interview with journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Kluivert shared his affection for the club and the valuable lessons learned during his transition from Ajax to Roma. "It was two wonderful years, which I enjoyed," he said, acknowledging the growth and experiences gained in Italy.
Following loan periods with RB Leipzig, OGC Nice, and Valencia, Kluivert found stability at Bournemouth this season. In nineteen Premier League appearances, he has netted three goals. He expresses contentment with his current situation at the Vitality Stadium, appreciating the stability after several loan spells. "After many loan spells, I signed a contract with Bournemouth, and I'm enjoying it. I'm sure I'll have a lot of fun here in the coming years," Kluivert stated, looking forward to his future with the team.
A significant challenge awaits Kluivert and Bournemouth as they prepare to face the defending champions, Manchester City, in an upcoming match. This encounter, scheduled for Saturday at 6:30 PM, presents Kluivert with an excellent opportunity to demonstrate his skills and contribute to his team's performance against one of the league's top teams.
