Donyell Malen reveals why he left Aston Villa for Roma after Gasperini talks

Donyell Malen has revealed that a conversation with Gian Piero Gasperini proved decisive in convincing him to leave Aston Villa for Roma during the January transfer window.

The Netherlands international has enjoyed an outstanding start to life in Italy after initially joining Roma on loan before the club activated their €25 million purchase option following an exceptional second half of the season.

Speaking to Gazzetta dello Sport, Malen admitted the opportunity to play in his preferred position was the biggest factor behind his decision to leave the Premier League.

Malen struggled to establish himself as Aston Villa's first-choice centre-forward, often being deployed in wider attacking positions during his time at Villa Park.

Roma manager Gian Piero Gasperini presented a different vision, assuring the Dutchman he would lead the line as a central striker.

That promise ultimately persuaded the 27-year-old to make the move to Serie A.

"One of the reasons that convinced me in January to leave the Premier League and move to Italy was the assurance that I would play as a centre-forward.

"My meeting with Gasperini influenced my decision. That was a very important factor for me."

The tactical change has transformed Malen's fortunes, allowing him to flourish in a role that better suits his strengths.

Roma's decision to sign Malen permanently came as little surprise after his remarkable impact.

The Dutch forward scored 15 goals and provided three assists in just 20 appearances following his arrival in January, comfortably surpassing the return he managed during his spell at Aston Villa.

He had previously recorded 10 goals and two assists across 46 matches for the Premier League club before making the switch to Italy.

Malen possessed the quality to make an impact but never fully found a role that maximised his strengths. At Roma, playing through the middle has allowed him to become the focal point of the attack, and the results have reflected that tactical adjustment.

However, translating six months of excellent form into sustained success over a full season will be the next challenge.

The forward insists he has never doubted his decision to leave England.

After settling quickly into life in Rome, both on and off the pitch, Malen believes the move has been the perfect step for his career.

"I'm absolutely convinced I made the right choice.

"So far, everything has been brilliant: the welcome, settling in, and my relationship with the locals. Rome is a fantastic place to live. We're all very happy, because I've settled in quickly."

His comments underline just how successful the transfer has been for both player and club, with Roma securing one of Serie A's most prolific forwards during the second half of the campaign.

Malen will now look to carry his outstanding form into his first full season as a permanent Roma player, with expectations significantly higher following his explosive start in Italy.

For Aston Villa, his success serves as a reminder of the fine margins involved in recruitment and squad management, while Roma will hope the Dutch international can establish himself as one of Serie A's leading strikers over the coming campaign.

Do you think Donyell Malen would have succeeded at Aston Villa if he had been played as a central striker, or was a move to Roma always the right decision?