LEON Bailey and Raheem Sterling are two footballers that have taken slightly different paths. Both were born in Jamaica and have gone on to represent the Caribbean nation and England respectively.
In this interview with Trade Nation, Bailey gives insight into settling in England after moving from Germany, why Raheem inspired him to choose the No.31 jersey, his friendship with his compatriot and the advice he has given him, the relationship he has with Aston Villa fans and how fans can get his shirt after a game.
Was it hard to settle in England from Germany?
LB: No, so there are two different lifestyles. Coming to England, I didn’t really struggle settling in because I was used to the environment already and had friends and family members who lived in the UK.
So, it wasn’t hard for me to settle in. But in terms of the football, it was a little challenging at the beginning for me. But we tried to get over that hurdle as quickly as possible and I did which I was proud of at the time. You have to try and adapt as quickly as possible.
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Is it true you chose No.31 as your jersey because of Raheem Sterling?
LB: Yes, when I just started my career, I was very close with Raheem. Even before I started my career, I was close with Raheem. I’ve known Raheem since the age of 16 and he was at Liverpool at the time.
I looked up to him as a Jamaican that was playing at the highest level and was so young as well. He is an inspiration to me. When I signed my first contract, I thought what better number than to take 31. I talked to him, and he was very supportive of me before I became a professional.
VILLA STAR: Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey (extreme left) celebrates scoring his side’s second goal Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
Did Raheem give you any advice when you joined Aston Villa?
LB: He’s like a big brother to me; we are very close and speak all of the time. We are always in Jamaica together and even in England, we link up sometimes. He is always giving me advice on everything, not just football but life.
What is it like when you score at Villa Park?
LB: It’s incredible. I have never seen anything like it before and it’s a special feeling for me. I have had a lot of experience scoring in front of the Holte End. I think almost all of the goals I have scored is in front of the Holte End so it gives me a buzz. When they sing my name or another player, it is always a special feeling. You feel hyped and I appreciate the fans for always being behind the team and letting each individual feel a lot of motivation.
Sometimes you need it in a game, and they try to give you that push an extra man on the pitch. It is nice to have. I remember last season; I was playing, and the ball would come to me on the right side, and I used to feed off the energy from the fans. When the ball came to me, I could just hear the fans, and it would get louder and louder, so I used to feed off that and it helped me with my game a lot.
GUNNER: Arsenal’s Raheem Sterling at Sobha Realty Training Centre on August 30 Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
How motivated do the fans make you feel on the pitch?
LB: It gives us a lot of motivation. It is not just me, but it’s all of the players. I know what it does to me, but I can’t tell you how it makes other people feel but in general, it gives the team a different upliftment, a different push to play better football or try to score an extra goal. It gives us a boost.
Fans have a lot of signs asking players for their shirt after a game. What needs to standout for you to give them your shirt?
LB: I don’t think any sign needs to stand out for me because I like making little ones happy, the less fortunate ones and anybody in general. If I see somebody who looks like they really want my shirt then I will give it to them. They don’t need to have a sign or anything. I’ll do it regardless.
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