Malen primed for Roma return as Como clash looms
Donyell Malen believes Roma can achieve special things this season and says Giallorossi coach Gian Piero Gasperini has finally helped him fulfil his potential.
Roma has taken 13 points from its opening five games to set the pace at the top of Serie A, alongside Inter Milan, ahead of Sunday's showdown with Scudetto outsider Como.
Malen has been a key part of the Giallorossi's flying start, plundering six goals already to lead the golden boot race.
Malen had to withdraw from the Netherlands squad during the recent international break, having reportedly experienced discomfort in his knee, but the issue is not thought to be significant.
In fact, reports suggest Malen will be available to face Como at Stadio Giuseppe Sinigaglia this weekend, and ahead of that fixture, the forward discussed how he has rediscovered his love for the game since leaving Aston Villa in January.
"It was my decision," Malen told Corriere dello Sport when asked about his move from England to the Italian capital.
"I wanted to play and be part of a team where I could take to the field every weekend and play an important role.
"At that stage, I didn't feel important, so I think I made the best choice. Today, I feel I'm in the right place with the right people.
"The coach and my team-mates show a lot of confidence in me, and together, all of this is helping me become the player I dreamed of being."
Gasperini has overseen 299 wins in Serie A overall, and his next victory will make him just the fifth manager to win 300 or more matches in the competition's history.
Malen has been hugely impressed with the way the 68-year-old has Roma playing this term, with only Inter scoring more goals so far.
"As a team, you know, we were strong and connected, and I immediately had a very good feeling," Malen added. "We can build on moments like these and do something special."
Como has also started strongly, earning 10 points from its first five games, but it was beaten 2-0 by surprise package Frosinone going into the international break.
Nevertheless, manager Cesc Fabregas's work with the club has earned him plenty of admirers, and president Mirwan Suwarso says that when the time comes for the former midfielder to move on, he will not stand in his way.
"He doesn't need a clause to go anywhere he wants," Suwarso said. "In a business like this, he's a friend more than anything else. He can go wherever he wants, whenever he wants.
"If tomorrow he calls me and says, 'Hey, I want to go to Leverkusen'. I would say if that's something you want to do, then go. I don't need any compensation."
Donyell Malen
AS Roma
