Marten De Roon Discusses Move to Roma in Exclusive Interview
Marten De Roon recently spoke with Idealista.it about his transition to AS Roma, reflecting on the complexities of switching from Atalanta to a club with such a storied rivalry. He acknowledged the challenges of this move, particularly given his history with Roma on social media. “When the coach called me, I already knew it would be a difficult move, partly because of the history of Roma and Atalanta, partly because of my history with Roma on social media,” he said. Despite these concerns, he expressed confidence: “I had no doubts. The pitch speaks for itself. I wanted to prove on the pitch my desire to be here. Gasperini is also demonstrating this; facts count, there’s time.”
The Dutch midfielder elaborated on his approach to football, which he experiences in two distinct ways. “On the pitch, I want to win at all costs. My main quality, what I like to do, is to see the game. I’m tactically prepared, it’s my strength: I see where we can attack well, where we can defend better. From midfield, I like to manage the team, call the markers. Off the pitch, I enjoy joking, talking, and observing. I like trying to help my teammates; I’m a professional, and even off the pitch, I try to be helpful, given my age and experience.”
De Roon also shared insights into the camaraderie within the Giallorossi dressing room. “There are a lot of nice people. I’m still finding my role, so I don’t joke around too much, but the atmosphere is healthy; it seems like an ‘easy’ dressing room,” he noted. “Years ago, I thought it was a very difficult dressing room, even playing against them; now I’ve come in and I’ve seen that it’s healthy, warm, and welcoming. I already knew some of them, obviously Malen, Rensch, Mancini, Gollini, and Cristante. This obviously helps; it’s made things easier.”
In discussing his adjustment to life in Rome, De Roon revealed how he sought assistance from teammates in finding a place to live. “I spoke to the guys here in the locker room, Pellegrini helped me get to know the city, he gave me a hand with so many things, together with the club.”
Reflecting on his relationship with Gian Piero Gasperini, De Roon stated, “We spent eight years together; we had the best time with Atalanta. We fought so many battles together, and I’ve always thanked him. Our relationship is above all professional; if he’s your coach, you don’t see him off the pitch during the week. Last year, he called me every now and then, asking about Malen, but more than anything he wanted confirmation; he was already convinced. I had no doubts. He’s doing pretty well, right?”
