Donyell Malen is looking forward to experiencing a full Villa Park, when Aston Villa host West Ham United in Premier League action on Sunday (ko 4.30pm).
Unai Emery’s first January recruit is no stranger to B6, having already played at Villa’s home in his youth career, during his time at Arsenal.
Malen described how busy his first week and a half at the club has been, but how much he has enjoyed getting to know his new teammates, and how he now looks forward to seeing Villa Park packed to the rafters.
He said: “It’s [been] special, but busy!
“From the moment I stepped on the plane, to medical tests, signing the contracts, getting in the gym, doing all the scans, it’s been a lot, but I’ve really enjoyed it.
“After training, I just think about what I have to do. I’ve really enjoyed it [so far], and I’m really looking forward to it.
“I remember I played [at Villa Park] with [Arsenal] 23s. It was one of the first stadiums I played in as an academy player. I was like: ‘Wow, this is very big.’
“To work there 10 years later is really nice, and I’m really looking forward to seeing it with all the fans.
“I’ve seen a few games, and how the stadium was against Bayern and Man City, so I’m really looking forward to it.”
Having joined Villa with 18 Premier League games still to play, Malen is keen to make his mark on the side between now and the end of the season.
The 26-year-old is raring to go, ahead of the prospect of his debut in claret and blue, and assessed his and his side’s ambitions for the remainder of the campaign.
Speaking on preparations for West Ham, the Holland winger added: “We trained a bit on how we want to structure, and attack them and defend.
“I worked really hard this week, so I feel sharp. I feel ready.
“As a team, we just have to keep looking forward, keep looking up as well. Everything is very tight where we are now [in the table].
“For me personally, I want to help the team with goals and assists and just bring an attacking threat to the goal. That’s hopefully what I can bring to the team.”
