Donyell Malen celebrates during a Roma game
Donyell Malen departed Villa for Roma in January(Image: Getty Images)
Donyell Malen has revealed leaving Aston Villa for Roma was his choice as he opened up on his transfer to Italy.
Malen has been one of the most prolific strikers in Europe since exiting Villa Park for Serie A in January, initially in a loan deal that was made permanent in the summer.
The Netherlands international has hit 20 goals in 23 league appearances for Roma, firing them into the Champions League last season and to the top of Serie A after five matches of this campaign.
While Villa’s decision to let him leave has been questioned and labelled a mistake, Malen has made it clear he pushed for the transfer.
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“It was me,” he told Corriere dello Sport. “I wanted to play, to be part of a team where I could step onto the pitch every weekend and be a player.
“At that stage, I didn’t feel like I was, but I think I made the best choice.”
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Malen only spent a year at Villa, arriving from Borussia Dortmund, and made just seven Premier League starts under Unai Emery.
He admits “everything has changed” for him under Roma boss Gian Piero Gasperini.
“I think everything has changed compared to my previous experiences,” he added.
“I’ve played a lot and everywhere, but today I think I’m in the right place with the right people.
“My coach and teammates give me so much confidence. All these things combined are helping me become what I dreamed of.”
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