Donyell Malen immediately won the hearts of Roma fans.
With man-of-the-match performances and a flurry of goals that helped the Giallorossi climb the league table, the Dutchman has been by far the player with the most devastating impact since January.
In a long letter to Il Corriere dello Sport, the former Aston Villa player retraced the early steps of his career: “Where it all began, where I began my journey. I will never forget my past, my origins, the journey, both in life and in football, that began just a few steps from home. The team, my first team: VV Succes, which made me realize how much I loved football at just five years old. My first kicks, my first goals, my first celebrations. The desire to have fun and grow with the ball at my side.”
“Where? In a city that has always made me feel at home all these years, even when I’m far away and traveling around Europe. Wieringen is home, it’s family, it’s friendship. I was born there and, above all, I grew up in a magnificent, fantastic environment, with so many wonderful people who showed me affection and supported me in important decisions. René de Kurt is one of them: I appreciate and thank you for the kind words about me,” continued the number 14.
Malen then concluded: “Succes has always been a home, a place where I could make my dreams come true and then help the children who enjoy themselves in that happy oasis dreaming of becoming footballers come true. I want to remember coach Sietzo IJzer, who sadly passed away last March. I also owe him so much, and if I’m here at a great club like Roma, it’s also thanks to the fantastic people like him who raised me and valued me during my childhood, when the dream began.”
