Marten de Roon has spoken about his transfer to AS Roma, calling it the right solution but confessing he is not happy. The former Atalanta midfielder gave an interview to Rai Sport, reported by ANSA Sport, revealing the emotional turmoil behind his move. Roma, currently fourth in Serie A with 3 points from one win, have thus strengthened their midfield ahead of their away fixture against Lecce.
De Roon, a Dutch international, described the operation as a 'blitz'. "It was a blitz and it was difficult to discuss it with my family and with the club, also thinking about how the fans would take it," he said. The last month in Bergamo was tough for the player, who did not fit into new manager Maurizio Sarri's 4-3-3 system. This situation, combined with persistent stomach pain since returning from the World Cup, made his departure almost inevitable.
Why De Roon left Atalanta
The difficulty adapting to Sarri's system was the main driver of the transfer. De Roon was not playing regularly and the situation, in his words, was not easy at all. The day before signing, he received a call from Gian Piero Gasperini, the manager who strongly wanted him to stay. Despite the coach's desire, the player understood that given how things were, a change was necessary. He then left Atalanta's headquarters in Zingonia, reaching Orio al Serio airport to fly to Fiumicino and join Roma.
What is his emotional bond with Bergamo
The separation was painful because Marten de Roon had a very strong bond with Atalanta and the city of Bergamo. With 445 appearances, he holds the absolute club record for games played in the black-and-blue shirt. This weight on his heart is palpable in his words. "Gasperini called me yesterday, he strongly wanted me. Given the situation here it was the right thing to do, but I am not happy," he confessed. Worry about the reaction of the Atalanta fans, to whom he has been tied for years, made the decision even more bitter.
What it means for Roma's midfield
De Roon's arrival brings experience and defensive quality to a department that will have to support a demanding season. Roma have started the league positively, scoring 4 goals and conceding none, with a +4 goal difference. They are 3 points behind leaders AC Milan. His integration could be pivotal in balancing the team, especially ahead of a busy schedule that includes the next challenge against Lecce, seventh in the table. Fans can follow the squad's evolution on our squad page.
What are the next challenges for the team
Roma's immediate future is the away trip to the Via del Mare against Lecce, scheduled for tomorrow. It's an important match to consolidate their good league start and stay close to the top positions. With De Roon now available, Daniele De Rossi will have an extra option to manage the midfield. The team will need to maintain the defensive solidity shown so far while trying to close the gap to the summit. All future commitments can be checked in our fixtures calendar, while the updated standings are available in the standings.
