Leandro Paredes has officially completed his anticipated move back to Boca Juniors, marking his second departure from AS Roma. For the seasoned Argentine midfielder, this isn`t just another transfer across continents; it`s a deeply personal return to the club where his professional journey began.
A European Chapter Closes (For Now)
Paredes first arrived in Italy as a young prospect in 2014. His initial steps in European football were perhaps a little unconventional, featuring a single appearance for Chievo before quickly moving to Roma. After a productive loan spell at Empoli, he solidified his place in the Giallorossi midfield before being sold to Zenit St. Petersburg in 2017.
What followed was a career trajectory that took him to footballing giants like Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, where he amassed a significant collection of club trophies. Interestingly, while Paredes has lifted the coveted World Cup and multiple Copa America titles with Argentina, his two spells totaling 135 appearances with Roma yielded no major club silverware – a fact he seems to regret.
He made his return to the Italian capital in 2023, coming back to a familiar setting and fan base.
An Emotional Goodbye
Leaving Rome for the second time prompted a heartfelt message from the midfielder. Shared online, his words painted a clear picture of his attachment to the club and the city. Paredes described Roma as his “second home,” recalling the warmth and love the club and fans provided him and his family when he was just starting out in Europe. This support, he said, made them “feel at home.”
He openly expressed his disappointment at not having won anything with Roma, but stressed that he left knowing he “gave all of myself.” In a particularly touching line, he noted that while two of his children were born in Rome, all three consider themselves `Romanisti` – a testament to the bond forged with the club and its supporters. The ultimate reason for his departure? The undeniable pull to “return home,” to the club that resides “in my heart.” He voiced hope that the “great Roman and Romanista population will understand” his decision.
The Homecoming Details
This sentimental return wasn`t a complex transfer saga dragged through the summer. Reports indicate the move was facilitated by a clause or a `gentleman`s agreement` in place from his transfer back to Roma last year. This agreement allowed him to leave for a predetermined fee, reported to be around €3.5 million, which Boca Juniors have agreed to pay.
So, at 30 years old, Leandro Paredes closes his European chapter – for now – by heading back to the legendary La Bombonera. It’s a move that feels guided by more than just footballing statistics; it’s a narrative of returning to one`s roots, a rare and rather refreshing plot twist in the often strictly transactional world of modern football transfers.
