Donyell Malen: ‘I did not feel like an important player at Aston Villa’

Roma forward Donyell Malen says he decided to leave Aston Villa because he no longer felt he was an important player at the English club.

Speaking to Corriere dello Sport, the Netherlands international said the decision to move on was his own. He joined Roma on loan in January 2026 before the Serie A club made the transfer permanent for 25 million euros after the season ended.

Malen also praised Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini and said he valued the coach’s approach to working with his players.

The Dutchman has scored six goals in five Serie A appearances this season. Overall, he has scored 21 goals in 26 matches for Roma.