Marten de Roon has said he had no doubts about joining Roma, despite the long-running rivalry between the two sets of fans, after a phone call from head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. The Dutch midfielder spoke in an interview with idealista/news for its feature "A casa dei campioni", describing his first impressions of the squad and his new life in the capital.
De Roon, who spent eight years at Atalanta under Gasperini, is a former opponent who was often unpopular with Roma supporters. He admits the move was not straightforward. Asked whether he weighed the reaction of his new fans, he said: "Yes. When the coach called me I already knew it would be a difficult move, partly because of the history between Roma and Atalanta, and partly because of what happened on social media with Roma; but at a certain point we had decided, I had no doubts. It is the pitch that speaks." He added: "I had no doubts, I wanted to show on the pitch my will to be here. Gasperini shows it too, facts count, there is time."
De Roon described himself as a player who wants to win at all costs. "My main quality, what I enjoy doing, is seeing the game. Tactically I am prepared, that is my strength: I see where we can attack well, where we can defend better. From midfield I like to manage the team and call the markings. Off the pitch I enjoy joking, talking and above all observing." He said he likes to help team-mates: "I am a professional, and even off the pitch I try to help, at my age and with my experience."
On the dressing room, he said he had once thought it would be very difficult, even when playing against Roma. "Now I have come in and seen that it is healthy, warm and welcoming." He said several players are funny, but added: "I am still looking for my role, so I do not joke a great deal." He already knew Donyell Malen, Devyne Rensch, Gianluca Mancini, Pierluigi Gollini and Bryan Cristante, which he said made things simpler. On Gasperini, he said: "We spent eight years together, the best period with Atalanta, we fought many battles together and I have always thanked him. The relationship is mainly professional." He recalled that Gasperini called him during last season, asking about Malen, but "he mainly wanted a confirmation, he was already convinced."
De Roon said he already knew Rome well from recent years, praising the climate, culture and food. He lives slightly outside the centre, and said the morning traffic is different, but he likes the city. His favourite area is around Villa Borghese, where he enjoys cycling. In his free time he reads a lot, especially Dutch-language thrillers, and plays a lot of chess on his phone or iPad. He also enjoys seafront walks with his family, which are easier now that he is near the sea. Lorenzo Pellegrini helped him get to know the city and with many practical matters, alongside the club.
He arrived alone, bringing family photos, while his wife brought home fragrances the couple have always used, which he says smell like home. They also moved their sofa and bed to Rome. After intense matches at the Olimpico, the first thing he does is kiss his family, whatever the result. Asked about buying property in Rome in the future, he said: "At the moment I think about the pitch, I have not thought about it, but in the future, why not? Rome is the most beautiful city in the world, we will think about it calmly."
