Leandro Paredes described the “immense honour” of Juan Roman Riquelme calling the Roma midfielder his football heir.
The 22-year-old Argentine has broken into the regular starting XI after a strong season on loan at Empoli.
“I actually started out as a trequartista and continued to play in that role until I turned 19,” he told ASRoma.com.
Leandro Paredes described the “immense honour” of Juan Roman Riquelme calling the Roma midfielder his football heir.
The 22-year-old Argentine has broken into the regular starting XI after a strong season on loan at Empoli.
“I actually started out as a trequartista and continued to play in that role until I turned 19,” he told ASRoma.com.
“My idol growing up was my father, Victor Daniel, as he passed on the passion for football. He was a professional with Racing Club until the age of 17, but quit because my mother got pregnant and he had to find work.
“In football terms, Riquelme was my inspiration. He was the player I watched and learned from the most, both as a fan and then as a teammate.
“He was fundamental for my growth and at the time was constantly giving me advice. We still talk today, as he writes to me when he watches me play.
“Before retiring, he declared to everyone that I would be his football heir. It was an immense honour.
“I made my professional debut as a 16-year-old and to play in the Argentine Primera Division was a dream come true. We played at home, at the Bombonera, against Argentinos Junior.
“I stepped on to the pitch in the stadium where I’d go as a child to watch Boca with my family, that is when our economic conditions allowed us to. I only played six minutes, replacing Lucas Viatri.
“I scored a brace in a 3-0 win over San Lorenzo and after that I started playing in the first XI.”
Who was the strongest opponent Paredes ever faced?
“Well, apart from Leo Messi… in Argentina it was Erik Lamela, who I played against in the derby with River Plate.”
What is the best thing about being a professional football player?
“Working at something you love will never feel like work. You have the privilege to get paid for doing what you love the most.”