Malen: ‘Gasperini played a big role in me choosing Roma’

Donyell Malen admits Gian Piero Gasperini ‘played a big role’ in convincing him to come to Roma, and is allowing the former Aston Villa striker to flourish. ‘It’s a big club with big ambitions.’

The Netherlands international has had an extraordinary impact in Serie A with five goals in his first five games, and bagged another brace this evening in the thrilling 2-2 draw away to Napoli.

However, he wasn’t happy with the result, having seen the lead twice slip away to a deflected Leonardo Spinazzola strike and late Alisson Santos finish.

Malen made remarkable Roma impact

“To be honest, I am quite disappointed. I think we deserved to win it and had done enough. Obviously, it was a good night personally, but this is football and you want to win,” Malen told DAZN Italia.

Check the Football Italia Player Ratings for Napoli 2-2 Roma

When he arrived from Aston Villa in the January transfer window, on loan with an option to buy at the end of the season, was he expecting such a strong start to life in Italy?

“I had a good feeling when I signed for the club. I know what I can do and I know my qualities. In football, you also need a little bit of luck and momentum, so I am very happy to be here.”

Roma coach Gasperini said that Malen is “the ideal striker for my style of football,” so what role did the former Atalanta tactician play in convincing him to choose the Stadio Olimpico?

“Gasperini played a big role, he told me about the position and what he wanted me to do, what he feels I could bring to the team,” replied Malen.

“I believe Roma is a very big club, with big ambitions, and the right place for me to play my football. That’s why I chose Roma.”