Dean Huijsen says he will return to Juventus at the end of the season, but ‘anything can happen in football’ and confirms José Mourinho called him in January to move to Roma.

The promising centre-back was born in Amsterdam in 2005 but grew up in Spain, so he decided to play for La Roja and received his first U21 international call-up for the March break.

The Roma loanee told Gazzetta that the Netherlands were upset to lose him, but didn’t complain much. Huijsen was also asked if his decision meant he preferred Sergio Ramos to Van Dijk.

“Absolutely, he [Ramos] was my idol,” he replied.

“Not because he came from Andalusia, where I grew up. He is one of the best central defenders in history.”

Huijsen was close to joining Frosinone on loan in the January transfer window but eventually moved to Roma.

“When I was offered to join Roma, I immediately liked the idea,” he said.

“First because they are a great club and then because it’s hard to say no when Mourinho calls. I thought they called me because they needed me but I’ve conquered the rest. Every minute I play is the result of hard work and sacrifice.”

Even after the Giallorossi sacked Mourinho in mid-January, Huijsen continued to play regularly in Serie A.

“I think it’s a good signal. I quickly adapted to the change especially because we are talking about two exceptional people and coaches,” he said. “I have great teammates around. I have fun and learn.”

Huijsen’s contract at Juventus expires in June 2028, and he will return to the Allianz Stadium at the end of the season.

“Roma don’t have an option, but I’ve learned that anything can happen in football. Surely, I’ll return to Juventus and make myself available,” he said.

“It’s the first big club that believed in me and I can only be grateful to them.”

Huijsen has made 13 senior appearances this season, playing for the Old Lady and Roma. He has scored two goals at the Stadio Olimpico, one against Cagliari and one against Frosinone, the team he was supposed to join in the winter transfer window before signing for the Giallorossi.

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