Donyell Malen says he chose to leave Aston Villa because he wanted regular football and a more important role, while his strong start at Roma has been helped by feeling settled in the right position and surrounded by the right people.
Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, Malen also discussed his partnership with Paulo Dybala, his relationship with manager Gian Piero Gasperini, and his decision to miss the Netherlands’ latest international camp.
The combination of Malen and Dybala has inspired the online nicknames “Dymalen” and “Dybalen”. Asked whether their connection suggested one player understood the other’s language, Malen said the pair had quickly developed an understanding on the pitch.
“Dymalen… it makes me think of chemistry,” he said. “Yes, that’s interesting online. Dybala and I clicked right away.”
Malen has scored more goals this season than at any previous stage of his career, having already found the net regularly for PSV, Dortmund, Aston Villa and Roma.
“I’ve never scored this many goals before, and it started from the first few matches of the season,” he said.
Asked what had changed, Malen pointed to both his role and the support around him.
“I feel almost everything has changed,” he said. “I’ve played many games in different positions, but now I feel I’m in the right place, surrounded by the right people.
“The coach and my teammates have given me a lot of confidence, and these factors combined have made me the player I’ve always dreamed of being.”
Malen was also asked whether he had wanted to leave Aston Villa or had been forced out by manager Unai Emery. He made clear that the move had been his decision.
“I wanted to leave myself,” he said. “I wanted to play and be part of a team where I could play every weekend and have an important role.
“During that period, I felt I wasn’t doing that, and I believe I made the best choice.”
With the international break over, Malen was asked to clarify whether an injury had prevented him from joining the Netherlands squad, after Xavi described it as a “minor injury”.
“I was injured, and I regret not being able to go to the national team,” he said.
Malen was then asked who would score more goals by the end of the season: himself or Lautaro. He declined to make a prediction.
“I’d rather focus on myself for now,” he said.
Asked to choose between himself and Lautaro in a social media poll, however, Malen gave a straightforward answer: “Malen.”
He also praised Gasperini’s management style, saying the Roma manager was direct with his players.
“His way of managing players is special, and you know he’ll never lie to you about anything,” Malen said.
Malen was reminded of Gasperini’s reputation for flipping chairs in the dressing room. He said the incident had taken place after the match against Parma.
“It actually happened after the Parma game,” he said. “It was great. He was so happy that even the tables flew.”
