AS Roma is delighted to confirm the signing of Spain international Diego Llorente on an initial loan deal.
Llorente, 29, has joined the Giallorossi from Premier League side Leeds United on a temporary basis until 30 June 2023.
As part of the agreement, the club has the option to make the transfer permanent.
“When the possibility of coming to Roma was presented to me I did not need to think about it twice,” Llorente said.
“Coming here is a big step forward for me in my career and I want to make the most of this opportunity.
“Rome is beautiful, an incredible city, and I think it is almost impossible to find a better place to play football.
“The club is fighting to achieve great things on all fronts this season and I am ready to make my contribution towards that.”
A graduate of the Real Madrid youth academy, Llorente was given his professional debut by then-Real coach Jose Mourinho at the end of the 2012-13 season.
Capable of playing at both full-back and in a defensive midfield role, the versatile operator has gone on to enjoy spells at Rayo Vallecano, Malaga, Real Sociedad and Leeds.
He made his international debut for Spain in May 2016, going on to win 10 caps to date for La Roja.
“Diego Llorente offers characteristics that will complement those of his new teammates well and for that reason we are all convinced that the club’s defensive ranks will benefit from his arrival,” said Tiago Pinto, the club’s General Manager.
“He is a player who learned his trade at one of the finest academies in football and in the years since then has gained a range of experience that will allow him to confront this new challenge in the best manner possible.”
Llorente will wear the No. 14 shirt for the Giallorossi.
Welcome to Roma, Diego!