Malen: 'I didn't feel important' at Aston Villa, Gasperini 'will never lie'
Donyell Malen has publicly stated that he did not feel important during his time at Aston Villa, suggesting a difficult period at the Premier League club. The Dutch forward appears to have moved on, with the interview framed around his current situation under Gian Piero Gasperini, whom he credited for being straightforward and never dishonest. The comments indicate a player who is now more settled and valued, hinting at a fresh start in Italian football under a coach known for direct communication.
Read the full story at football-italia.netMalen's candid admission about his Aston Villa spell adds context to what was a disappointing Premier League chapter for the Dutch international, who was signed with considerable expectation. By moving to a Gasperini-led Atalanta side — a coach famous for his attacking philosophy and clear communication — the winger is positioning himself to rediscover the form he showed at PSV and Borussia Dortmund. The contrast between feeling 'not important' at Villa and valued at Atalanta underlines how system, role clarity and manager trust shape a forward's output, particularly for a player whose best work comes on the counter and in transition.
Context added by Socc360, not by football-italia.net.
Data source: football-italia.net (via Socc360). Last updated .
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