Donyell Malen: "I was the one who wanted to leave Aston Villa"

Malen says he forced through Aston Villa exit

Roma striker Donyell Malen has opened up on the circumstances behind his departure from Aston Villa, revealing that the decision was his own. Speaking to Corriere dello Sport in a detailed interview, the Dutchman said he was the one who wanted to leave Birmingham.

"I was the one who wanted to leave Aston Villa. I wanted to play every Sunday, that's important. I think I made the right choice."

Gasperini's demanding training

Malen also spoke about the impact of head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, whose methods he says have brought the best out of his game. The forward was candid about the intensity of sessions at Trigoria.

"Gasperini's training sessions are tough, but I've never thrown up. That's why I learned 'tired,' I have to say. Sometimes it's really too much, it's a tough training session. However, it's good for the team, we're all in good shape. We push ourselves, we train the way we play."

A role that suits him

Malen revealed that his current position in the attack suits him well. "For me, it's a middle ground, I feel more comfortable and more dangerous in the middle, and it shows here," he said.

Form and title ambitions

The interview comes right after Malen scored a brace against Real Madrid in midweek. He has also already scored a hat-trick in Serie A, and he is expected to be vital if Roma are to mount a challenge in the title race.