KINGSTON, Jamaica — President of the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) Michael Ricketts says he is yet to speak to star forward Leon Bailey about his return to the Reggae Boyz set up, just over a month after announcing he would be taking a break from the team.
The Aston Villa forward was suspended by national senior men’s Head Coach Heimir Hallgrimsson for the finals of the Concacaf Nations League after he broke curfew during camp in the November international window.
Bailey, in a viral interview with Jamaican Content Creator, Jaii Frais, subsequently blasted the JFF over various issues he had and said he had always considered taking a break from the team due to what he says having “too much on my plate”.
Ricketts is optimistic the issues with Bailey will be resolved soon but had not yet reached out.
“To be honest, no (we haven’t spoken),” he told Observer Online. “But hopefully somehow we will make this connection and see how we can amicably settle whatever issues Leon may have.”
Bailey’s agent and father, Craig Butler, also told Observer Online that they are willing to have discussions with the JFF but certain assurances would have to be given.
The 26-year-old is arguably having the best season of his professional career with Aston Villa, scoring 14 goals and registering 13 assists in all competitions. Villa is currently on course to finish in the top four of the English Premier League and are also in the semi finals of the UEFA Conference League.
