Roma star Donyell Malen admits he “didn’t feel important” at Aston Villa but admires Gian Piero Gasperini’s “management” of players: “You know he’ll never lie to you about anything.”
Malen, the current Serie A top scorer with six goals in five games, spoke to Corriere dello Sport about his time at the Stadio Olimpico so far.
The Dutch forward joined the Giallorossi on loan from Aston Villa last January and Roma made the move permanent for €25m at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
Corriere dello Sport asked Malen if he chose to leave Aston Villa or if Unai Emery was pushing him to leave.
“It was my decision,” Malen replied.
“I wanted to play and be part of a team where I could come out every weekend and play an important role. I didn’t feel important at that stage, so I think I made the best choice.
“Today I feel like I’m in the right place with the right people,” he said.
“My coach and teammates have a lot of confidence in me, and all of that helps me become the player I’ve always dreamed of being.”
It is no secret that Gasperini, head coach of Roma, played a decisive role in Male’s transfer to Roma. The Italian tactician spoke with the striker last January and explained his tactical plans.
Malen said he particularly enjoys the way Gasperini “manages the players”.
“You know he will never lie to you about anything,” the forward added, adding that “sometimes Gasperini’s training is really difficult.”
“Roma” qualified for the Champions League last season, and one of the important games in the fight for the top four was an away victory against “Parma”.
“After the match he [Gasperini] he was so happy that he even blew off the table,” said Malen.
Malen was not part of the Dutch team during the break due to a minor injury.
“I was injured and regretted not playing for the national team,” he said.
The Dutch striker has already scored 21 goals in 26 Roma matches and started the new season with a hat-trick against Fiorentina.
“It was very important to get off to such a good start with a hat-trick,” he said.
“As a team, you know we were strong and connected and I had a really good feeling right away. We can build on points like this and do something special.”
The attacking partnership with Paulo Dybala is one of the best in the league.
“Dymalen … makes you think about connection,” he said.
“It was funny online. Paulo and I clicked right away.”
However, other players impressed Male. Which teammate surprised him the most?
“A lot of players. Pisilli is very young and I could see his quality right away,” Malen said.
“Manu [Kone] it’s fantastic. I already knew some of them from Holland. Marten [De Roon]for example.”