In the early afternoon, Atalanta landed in England, where tomorrow, Wednesday 20 October at 21 CEST, they will play Manchester United for the third match of the Champions League Group Stage. Marten de Roon spoke on the eve of the match: “We want to play a great game”.

Marten de Roon, it’s already exciting just to set foot in here to make interviews the day before the clash with Manchester United at this stadium, at Old Trafford, isn’t it?

“Yes, it’s true. When you enter, you see this stadium, which is very big. It’s beautiful and has a history. This is really exciting. It will be even more exciting tomorrow when it is full. It’s very beautiful. This has boosted our energy and made us eager to play tomorrow.”

You said it’s your favourite stadium. It may be the most beautiful one in Europe because of its history and for many other reasons. Will this fact also boost your energy for tomorrow’s match against Manchester United?

“Sure! When you get to prove yourself here, Atalanta as a team, it means you’ve improved as a team, as footballers. Being able to measure ourselves against a top team like Manchester United, such a strong team, is very satisfying. So, we want to play a great game. We are motivated. We are waiting for the other teammates. I think they will be as excited as me.”

What kind of Manchester United are you expecting?

“They will be eager to win. They lost to Leicester. When great teams lose, they usually pick themselves up right away and want to show the fans that they are still there to fight. Being at home, having a big audience will be a good motivation for them, too. So, Manchester United will be eager to win. They will be ready to produce a strong display. They also have quality, physicality, speed. We have to be prepared. We have to be at our best to get a result.”

Furthermore, you’ve been unlucky lately with many players getting injured.

“Yes, it’s the first time over these years we’ve been unlucky to get many injuries. Unfortunately, it is so. There’s nothing to do about it but we have the other players who are ready and strong. We have a lot of good players. I’m sorry for Rafa (Rafael Toloi) and also for the others who had got injured before him. But there are always opportunities for others. The whole team are ready. We are many and we’re ready.”