2 days ago
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CRAIG BUTLER, the manager of Reggae Boy Leon Bailey, says the injury he sustained on the first day of training with Italian club Roma will have little long-term impact on the player.
Butler said he expects the winger to recover quickly, dominate the Serie A and lead Roma to the Champions League.
The Jamaican, who spent two and half seasons at Aston Villa before leaving for Roma on loan, was the English club’s talisman in 2023-24 when they qualified for the Champions League for the first time in more than 40 years. Bailey scored 10 goals and provided nine assists during the campaign.
For much of his time at Aston Villa, Bailey struggled with injuries and last season (2024-25) he played in only 24 matches.
However, Butler is confident that with the care and support that Roma has shown the player will rise above his injuries and deliver high-level performances consistently.
“Leon is a fighter. He never gives up and never stops fighting. He is going to do well. It (injury) is not for a long period. It’s just a slight injury that he has and it’s not going to last very long.
“It absolutely will not (affect his chances of getting in the team or his performance). In terms of his preparation and his mindset, he is very focused.
“He came through the medical with flying colours, and so we are not worried if he is going to recover. He will be fine,” Butler stated.
Butler noted that other top players have had their injury struggles during their career but that it does not prevent them from accomplishing great things.
“Arjen Robben has had so many injuries in his career but he accomplished greatness. Leon has injuries but has also accomplished greatness.
“Leon is one of the greatest footballers to come out of this country, in terms of accomplishments. He was best young player in Belgium and Germany. He took Villa to the Champions League and now he is going to dominate the Serie A,” he declared.
Butler said the support the player has received from the club and the supporters has been a big motivation and he is ready to return to his best level.
“The support he has gotten from the people of Rome is what Leon and every good footballer needs.
“That level of support is astounding. And if he can get that type of support from his home country, in terms of cheering him on and believing in him, I am sure there will be much better results.
“You are not going to see that (him out of the team often) because the technical director has been trying to get him for 13 years.
“He believes in him. The coach is excited to have him. He (Gasperini) is an excellent coach. He won the Europa Cup.”
He added that even though Bailey had to leave Aston Villa, albeit on loan, he has no hard feelings and is grateful for the opportunity they gave him to represent their club.
“Aston Villa is also an exceptional club and we are grateful to Aston Villa,” Butler stated.
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