After starting life at Roma in the worst way possible, Leon Bailey looks set to return. The Jamaican moved to Serie A in August, yet sustained a serious thigh injury in his first Giallorossi training session.
Now nearing a return to Gian Piero Gasperiniโs group, Baileyโs father-agent father, Craig Butler, has spoken to Il Romanista about what the Aston Villa loanee can bring to Stadio Olimpico.
โItโs definitely been a very difficult time.โ Butler began. โHe canโt wait to play, and the countdown is almost over. Iโve always told him: โDonโt rush, do things right, and come back when you feel confident.โ
โI gave him the example of Arjen Robben, who, for me, was one of the best wingers of all time: after injuries, he came back stronger than ever. And this must motivate Leon to think about having a great season. We want the fans to be happy. The incredible welcome he received at the airport made him feel welcome right away, and heโll finally be able to show off his qualities soon.โ
Butler continued and addressed the prospect of seeing the Reggae Boyz star adapt to Italian football.
โExpect everything from Leon: heโs a creative talent, he plays with heart, he plays for the fans and the team, weโre talking about a boy who is truly in love with the game.
โSerie A will undoubtedly be a great challenge for him, while he will bring creativity, goals, assists, good decisions, and victories, but also a lot of teamwork.โ
Although Baileyโs father figure admittedly worried about how his son would fare in Italy, Roma quickly made it clear that he was at the right club.
โWhen I saw the human quality of Gasperini, (Frederic) Massara, and the other members of the team, I knew I could go home; I was sure I was leaving him in excellent hands.โ
On the matter of Gasperini, the jury is out. Butler believes the experienced manager is the right man to coach Bailey back to his best.
โIโm absolutely convinced of this. And Iโll tell you one thing: Gasperini was absolutely thrilled to have Leon at his disposal, and thatโs crucial because the most important thing in football is the relationship between coach and player. If a coach wants a player and believes in him, everything will work out.โ
The Aston Villa loanee has returned to individual training last week. He is now expected to return to action for Roma in the next couple of weeks.
GIFNย |ย Max Bradfield
