Donyell Malen admits that watching his teammate play against Como after receiving a red card was ‘one of the most stressful experiences’ but is happy to reunite with Jude Bellingham during Roma-Real Madrid tomorrow: ‘ I know him very well.’
Roma star Malen joined his coach Gian Piero Gasperini for a pre-match press conference on Tuesday, the eve of a Champions League match against Real Madrid.
Malen received a straight red card in Roma’s latest game against Como, forcing him to miss the next Serie A match.
“Personally, I’m less frustrated now. It happened; I didn’t intend to hurt anyone. So we move on,” the striker said via the official Roma website.
“We’re highly motivated for tomorrow’s match. I think it will be a fantastic night for Roma because we’ll be playing at home in the Champions League against a great club like Real Madrid.”
Malen was asked whether he had apologised to his teammates after receiving the first red card in his career.
“I have to say that, after the match, watching my teammates play was one of the most stressful experiences I’ve had in a long time,” he admitted.
“When you receive a red card, and your team loses, you feel it’s your fault. However, I think the next match is a separate occasion and has little to do with what happened. So we move on.”
The Stadio Olimpico will be sold out for Roma’s first home Champions League match since 2019.
“I think the fans’ support is very important, especially during difficult moments like the ones we’ve just mentioned,” Malen said.
“When you play away, there are even more factors to consider. This time, however, we’re playing at home in front of our fans. I believe they can give us tremendous support.
“It’s something special. When I arrived here last year, one of our main goals was to return to the Champions League. Now, having the opportunity to play our first home match against Real Madrid is truly special, and we’re all really looking forward to it.”
Malen is Serie A’s leading scorer with six goals in six games, and he has immediately become a key player for the Giallorossi since joining the club from Aston Villa last January. What makes Roma so special to him?
“First of all, the coach, who trusts me and gives me plenty of playing time,” Malen said.
“I also think my teammates welcomed me very warmly for who I am, both as a person and as a player. They have always supported me, as has the coaching staff. Then there are the fans and the city, which I find truly fantastic. I believe that when you put all these things together, a player can perform at their best.”
Tomorrow, Malen will reunite with his ex-Borussia Dortmund teammate Jude Bellingham; has he spoken to him in recent weeks?
“No, I haven’t spoken to him. I know him very well; we played together for a long time,” Malen replied.
“He’s a truly special player with incredible quality. I also have a great relationship with him, and I haven’t seen him for a while, so it will be nice to meet again.”