Bouah boosted after receiving contract extension

The Italian full-back, 18, suffered a huge setback on the opening weekend of the Primavera season – as he suffered a second serious knee ligament injury within the space of a year.

But this week the club showed its enduring faith in the youngster’s talent, agreeing terms on a new five-year contract with the club that runs until June 2024.

“It’s great news for me, the club have shown their faith in me during a tough moment,” Bouah said.

“I’m really pleased that Roma believe in me and have renewed my contract. Personally speaking it’s a boost for me, the renewal has given me a lot of encouragement.

“I’ve already gone through an injury like this and I know what it takes to come back stronger than before. I saw the coach [Paulo Fonseca] and he told me to stay calm, that these things can happen in football.”

A second serious injury in such a short timeframe would be tough for any professional player to deal with, but Bouah insists he is not going to let the adversity get the better of him.

“I’m good right now, mentally too,” he said.

“I’ve taken it a lot better than I did last year. At the time no-one could believe it had happened, it was a shock.

“A second injury like this is definitely not one of the best things that could have happened – but I’m mentally strong, I know how to get through it, working hard every morning here at Trigoria, and doing more exercises at home too.

“Once the brace is off I will get back to working in the gym, and then out on the pitch to rejoin the squad.”