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14h agoMarten de Roon on Roma's tensions with fans, Gasperini and life in Rome
Roma midfielder Marten de Roon has spoken at length about his move to the club, the fan tensions that preceded it and his relationship with head coach Gian Piero Gasperini, in an interview with Idealista.it. The Dutchman said he knew the transfer would be difficult, partly because of the history between Roma and Atalanta and partly because of past social media exchanges with Roma supporters. He said: "When the coach called me I already knew it would be a difficult move, partly because of the history between Roma and Atalanta, partly because of the story on social media with Roma; but at a certain point we had decided, I had no doubts. Then the pitch speaks. 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 on the pitch, with tactical reading of the game as his main quality. He said: "On the pitch I want to win at all costs. My main quality, what I like to do, is to see the game, tactically I am prepared, that is my strength: I see where we can attack well, where to defend better, from midfield I like to manage the team, call the markings. Off the pitch I like to joke, talk, above all observe. I like to try to give a hand to my team-mates; I am a professional, even off the pitch I try to be helpful, at my age and with my experience."
On Gasperini, he recalled eight years together at Atalanta, which he described as the best period of his career there. He said: "We spent eight years together, we lived the most beautiful period with Atalanta, we fought many battles together and I have always thanked him. The relationship is mainly professional; if he is your coach you don't see him outside the pitch during the week." He added: "Last year he called me from time to time, he asked me about Malen, but he wanted more of a confirmation, he was already convinced. I had no doubts. He's doing quite well, isn't he?"
De Roon said he is still looking for his role in the side, so he is not joking around much yet, but he described the dressing room as healthy and welcoming. He said: "Many are nice. I'm still looking for my role, so I don't joke around much, but the atmosphere is healthy, it seems like an easy dressing room. Years ago I thought it was a very difficult dressing room, even playing against it; now I've come in and seen that it is healthy, warm, welcoming." He said he already knew Malen, Rensch, Mancini, Gollini and Cristante, which made the adjustment easier. Pellegrini helped him get to know the city and, together with the club, assisted him with many things during the move and his search for a home.
On life in Rome, De Roon said he had been visiting the city often over the past four years. He said: "The climate is wonderful, I have always liked the city, there is so much culture, the food is incredible. Living here is different. I live a bit outside, the morning traffic is different, but I like it very much." Asked whether he could see himself staying in the capital after his career, he said: "At the moment I think about the pitch, I haven't thought about it, but in the future, why not? Rome is the most beautiful city in the world, we'll think about it calmly."
