Donyell Malen has revealed the important thing position Gian Piero Gasperini performed in convincing him to hitch Roma, with the Dutch striker talking for the primary time since signing a everlasting cope with the Giallorossi till 2030 following a surprising debut marketing campaign within the Italian capital.
The 27-year-old, who scored 14 targets in 18 Serie A appearances to assist hearth Roma into the Champions League, was effusive concerning the coach who unlocked his potential after a irritating spell at Aston Villa.
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“What satisfied me? Actually the identify of Roma, and the membership itself, but in addition the ambitions of the membership and our coach,” Malen mentioned, with . “Once we spoke, in just some phrases, he made me really feel vital immediately and on the coronary heart of the mission.”
PARMA, ITALY – MAY 10: Donyell Malen of AS Roma celebrates scoring his group’s first purpose throughout the Serie A match between Parma Calcio 1913 and AS Roma at Stadio Ennio Tardini on Might 10, 2026 in Parma, Italy. (Picture by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Pictures)
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Malen dedicates prolific type to teammates and Gasperini system after Roma signal him completely
Requested whether or not he had anticipated such an instantaneous and prolific influence in Serie A, Malen was humble in his response.
“I definitely hoped and anticipated to do nicely,” he mentioned. “But when I reached these numbers and scored so many targets, I owe it above all to the assistance of my teammates on the pitch and the coach who put me on the centre of the assault from the beginning.”
On his most vital purpose in a Roma shirt, Malen pointed to not essentially the most spectacular however essentially the most significant.
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“In all probability it isn’t essentially the most stunning, as a result of it was a penalty, however the spot-kick I scored at Parma was actually basic for our league place,” he mentioned. “In that second I additionally felt very strongly the enjoyment of our supporters.”
additionally addressed comparisons to iconic Brazilian striker Ronaldo that had emerged amongst Roma’s fanbase.
“Ronaldo was a footballer of one other stage,” he mentioned. “However it’s sufficient for me to attain targets and rating them for Roma, serving to the membership attain its aims.”