AS Roma signed Leon Bailey on loan from Aston Villa in the summer.
After many weeks out injured, the Jamaican has now returned to action for the Italian side.
He made appearances off the bench against Inter Milan and Viktoria Plzen. Against Sassuolo, Bailey started for the first time and played 50 minutes in the 1-0 win.
The arrival from Aston Villa spoke to the press after the game. He made some ambitions clear, and explained how he’s adapting to Gian Piero Gasperini’s system.
He said, relayed by Corriere dello Sport: “I’m adapting. I’ve been out for a long time, and I also have to get to know the coach, his style of play, his ideas.”
The 28-year-old stated he could have put in a better performance against Sassuolo.
“My performance could have been better, I can’t be satisfied.”
When asked about his ambitions and goals for the season, the winger said: “The goal is to reach my highest level, and with many games left I can achieve that.”
Bailey also clarified his goals to take Roma to the Champions League.
“I know the Champions League has been missing here for too long, so my priority is to bring Roma back to that stage.”
Speaking about his fitness worries in the loan stint, the Jamaica international said: “I had to respect my body, Gasp’s decisions and those of the medical staff. Now I want to turn things around.”
The Aston Villa player came over as very focused in the interview. That is how he should be too, especially considering how much time he lost due to the muscle injury.
Roma have struggled for goals so far this season. Bailey is seen as someone who can help with that and has shown glimpses of his talent already.
Since Roma have the option to buy him permanently, Aston Villa will hope that things turn around.