Giovanni Leoni explains Liverpool decision after devastating injury as return nears

Leoni chose to rehabilitate at Liverpool's training base rather than return to Italy, citing relationship-building and English language improvement as key factors.

Giovanni Leoni suffered an ACL injury on his Liverpool debut against Southampton in the Carabao Cup in September 2025 and has been sidelined for 12 months. The 19-year-old Italian defender, who joined from Parma for around £26m in August 2024, opted to complete his rehabilitation exclusively at Liverpool's Kirkby training facility rather than return to Italy. In an interview, Leoni explained the decision was motivated by building relationships with his new team-mates and improving his English. He is expected to return to full team training this month.