In the aftermath of the Coppa Italia defeat to Torino, which saw Leon Bailey start in an unfamiliar center-forward role, the player’s father and agent, Craig Butler, took to social media with a lengthy message for his son.
Butler deflected criticisms about Bailey’s fitness, comparing him to icons of world football: “He’s suffered a lot of injuries, like many great, explosive wingers in the history of football, such as Arjen Robben. Yet the lion and phoenix within him have never been trampled or destroyed.”
“He played against Torino outside of his wing position, playing as a striker, yet he found a way to shine, providing an assist for his team. He’s the kind of player who influences matches. If he’s allowed to express his creativity, he creates chances and scores goals, and often makes the difference.”
The message was also directed at the Giallorossi management: “Aston Villa never finished in the top four or in the Champions League in over 40 years, until Leon Bailey arrived at the club. Today they have pedigree again.”
He then concluded: “Leon is now on loan at Roma. In his first start after being sidelined, he provided an assist. Frederic Massara knows Leon’s quality. He loves the fans and his family, and we always will. Keep it up, Leon, because any club that shows you love and appreciation will always get results from you. Lionheart!!!”
