Iling-Junior Sheds Light on Aston Villa Struggles, Thanks Emery for Honesty
BrainBurst reports that Aston Villa winger Samuel Iling-Junior has opened up about his struggles getting integrated at the club, citing a lack of space in the squad.
The 20-year-old winger, who is of Congolese heritage, was acquired by Villa from Juventus in the summer, with Brazilian midfielder Douglas Luiz moving to Turin in exchange. However, Iling-Junior was not integrated into the squad and was immediately loaned back to Italy, joining Bologna.
Rather than feeling disappointed, Iling-Junior thanked Villa boss Unai Emery for his honesty in allowing him to move to a team where he would have more game time.
"I did all the pre-season at Aston Villa, and I also played some games, then I talked with coach [Unai Emery] and I realised there wouldn’t be much room for me and since I appreciate honesty, I preferred to look for a team where I could get more chances," Iling-Junior said.
Iling-Junior also thanked former Juventus coach Massimiliano Allegri, who signed him as a youth player in 2020 from Chelsea and gave him his senior Bianconeri debut two years later.
"I have to thank Allegri a lot, he helped me understand the defensive phase," he added. "With coach Italiano we always put a lot of energy on the pitch, this is the football I love."
Iling-Junior made his Bologna debut against Shakhtar Donetsk in the UEFA Champions League last week and is looking forward to facing Villa and Liverpool in the competition.
"The emotions felt in the Champions League are always unique, it was nice [to make my debut]," he explained. "Playing at Anfield is always an indescribable emotion. To me, as an Englishman, it means a lot because I have the opportunity to put myself on show."
Iling-Junior has represented England at youth level but is eligible to play for the senior team or the DR Congo national team.
What do you think about Iling-Junior’s decision to join Bologna? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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