Donyell Malen reveals some shocking nicknames, studying from at Arsenal and . ‘I may’ve been Serie A prime scorer.’
The striker made a unprecedented affect following his January transfer from Aston Villa, scoring 15 objectives in 20 aggressive video games for his new membership, together with three assists.
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It was subsequently inevitable that the Giallorossi would rush to activate the
Superb Malen begin at Roma
ROME, ITALY – APRIL 18: Donyell Malen of AS shoots throughout the Serie A match between AS Roma and at Stadio Olimpico on April 18, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Picture by Paolo Bruno/Getty Photographs)
“If I had arrived initially of the season, I believe I may’ve received the Capocannoniere crown in Serie A. Nevertheless, you by no means know in soccer, I arrived in January and simply tried to present my all for Roma,”
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“Typically my teammates name me D9, like R9 for , however solely after I play properly. If I play badly, they name me different issues…”
Of his 15 objectives, 14 have been in simply 18 Serie A appearances, making him simply Roma’s prime scorer for the whole season.
Roma striker Donyell Malen depicted as a Dragon Ball Z character
Regardless of solely having half the video games, Malen scored simply three fewer objectives than eventual Capocannoniere of Inter.
“If I’ve to elucidate my nice begin, I don’t suppose there’s any specific tactical secret. Soccer is made up of moments, for years I labored laborious with out stopping, so when the chance arose, I made positive I used to be prepared.”
BOLOGNA, ITALY – MARCH 12: Donyell Malen of AS Roma acknowledges the followers following the UEFA Europa League 2025/26 Spherical of 16 First Leg match between and AS Roma at Stadio Renato Dall’Ara on March 12, 2026 in Bologna, Italy. (Picture by Alessandro Sabattini/Getty Photographs)
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The Dutchman began out within the Ajax youth academy, then moved on by way of Arsenal, PSV Eindhoven, and finally Aston Villa in January 2025.
“My teammates at Ajax used to name me Boer Malen, which suggests Farmer Malen. It was unusual for them that somebody may come from such a rural atmosphere, however to be truthful they have been a bit unusual to me too at first. I invited them to a celebration at my home, as I had a giant backyard, however many acquired misplaced alongside the way in which because it was so distant.
“It was subsequently a really large change to come back to London, an unlimited metropolis, a huge membership like Arsenal, however that have helped me a lot, each as a participant and a person. It made me develop up.
“I additionally had the great fortune to work with Thierry Henry, he confirmed me easy methods to transfer, to complete, it was particular getting recommendation from a legend like him.”
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Whereas he struggled to make an affect at Aston Villa, the affect when coming to Roma was merely fast.
“I felt one thing particular after I landed in Rome. I like the followers, town, the climate, the meals, simply experiencing the Roman ambiance. My teammates joke that I spend a lot time within the metropolis centre.
“The second I arrived on the airport, there have been followers ready and cheering my identify. I instantly felt like one of many household, and I appreciated that very a lot.”
Now he’s hoping to comply with within the footsteps of a real Roma legend, one who may be coming again to the membership as a director in future.
“When folks ask who my favorite Italian participant is, I instantly consider . I watched Serie A as a result of there have been so many Dutch gamers right here, however Totti was one thing particular.”