Abuja—A young footballer, Richmond Hanson Baratuaipre, who has been signed by AS Roma Football Academy in Nigeria is set to have a trial with the club in Rome, Italy.
Hanson who hails from Ewoama in Brass local government area of Bayelsa state first signed with the club’s academy in August 2021.
Mangroveopen.ng gathered that Hanson and his teammates could be signed into the AS Roma youth team in Rome or if they impress the club’s officials and pass the trial which is said to be in form of a tournament.
They could also be signed into any of the youth teams of Juventus and Atlanta which the team from Nigeria will also play against. 
Speaking to mangrovepen.ng over the phone, Hanson expressed happiness and said the trial is a lifetime opportunity.
He noted that his manager has been instrumental to his success in life, particularly his football career, and expressed gratitude for his love and support over the years.
“I feel so great and I believe this is a lifetime opportunity for me and my teammates and I want to give it my best because I have been waiting for this day so I believe we’ll go far in this tournament
“I just want to appreciate my manager for the opportunities that he has been bringing to me in the course of my footballing career.
“I’m grateful to have him as a mentor and father and manager. All I can say is that I’m going to make him proud in this tournament because he has sacrificed a lot for me. I just want to say thanks to him and may God continue to bless him,” he said. 
Also speaking to our reporter, Hanson’s manager, Obuebite Sidney, thanked God for the opportunity and expressed confidence that the young footballer will do well in the trial.
He said he is now committed to helping young footballing talents in Bayelsa state achieve their dreams because most people, including himself, only played football at the local level due to lack of sponsors.
He said, “I give glory to God for creating this opportunity for him and I believe strongly that with his unique football skills he will pass the trials and sign for AS Roma.
“Most of us were good footballers while growing up, but because we didn’t get the needed support our football career stopped at the local level.
“That is why I have taken it upon myself to encourage and support young talented footballers from Bayelsa and beyond for them to get to the next level of their game.
“We have so many skillful boys in our various communities that just need little push to be the Messi and Ronaldo of their time.” 
Mangrovepen.ng gathered that Hanson and his team are already in Rome, Italy for the trial in which they will tackle four different European youth teams.
