Former Middlesbrough star Marten de Roon has reiterated he was happy to return to Italy in the last window.
The Netherlands international had just one season with Middlesbrough before rejoining his former club Atalanta in the summer.
Speaking in the press conference before tomorrow’s Europa League game between Everton and Atalanta De Roon was asked about the comparison between football in Italy and England: “Italian football is more tactical, I think the English is faster, it’s more physical, I like them both, but I’m very different, it’s been a good experience here in England, but I like the Italy.”
“Not only football, but also life in Italy. I was very happy to go back to Atalanta.”
De Roon joined Middlesbrough from Atalanta last year, following the club’s promotion to the Premier League. However, the Dutchman wasn’t able to prevent the club dropping back down to the Championship after a miserable season.
The Dutchman has gone on record to say he was already thinking about a move back to Atalanta half way through last season, which obviously didn’t go down too well with Middlesbrough fans.
Some Middlesbrough fans had hoped De Roon would stay and help the club get back to the Premier League at the first attempt, but his early season form showed his heart wasn’t in it.
