#AskParedes: The midfielder on his best moments at Roma, his music tastes, and more

On Friday afternoon midfielder Leandro Paredes sat down to answer some of the best and most probing questions put to him by the fans.

See what the Argentine had to say about a variety of topics - from his teammates to his life away from football - and make sure you are following AS Roma on Facebook and Twitter for future live interviews!

Interviewer: How did you fall in love with the game?

Paredes: “It was my dad who got me interested in football. He gave me my first ball when I was really young – before I could even walk! He and I used to play with it all the time so I have him to thank for that.”

When did you realise it could be more than just a pastime but a job?

“When I was 15 I went to train with the first team - that's when I realised football might become my job.”

Who was your idol when you were a kid?

“I've always said that [Juan Roman] Riquelme was my idol. I used to love watching [Zinedine] Zidane too. I think those two were my main idols.”

What did Riquelme have that others didn't?

“I think his technical ability is way out in front of pretty much anyone I've ever seen in football. His timing was superb too and he struck the ball magnificently. He was one of the best players I've ever seen.”

What's your best memory from your time at Roma so far?

“My best memory is the day I joined because I realised I was joining this great team with loads of amazing players. It was a great feeling to be in that dressing room and see that I was a part of it all.”

How much time passed between when you found out you would be joining Roma and when you actually arrived here?

“Not that long. I was on holiday in Argentina at the time, at the start of January, and I think I set off for Rome on the 4th. So it all happened within a matter of days. I said yes straight away and barely had any time to talk about it with my friends or anything.”

What's your relationship like with the other Argentines away from the game?

“We have a great relationship. We see each other nearly every day and often eat together with our families – asado, of course. Diego [Perotti] is the one who normally does the cooking. He cooks and I eat!

How did you feel when you scored that great goal against Torino?

“I felt great. It was a lovely goal, but I think the one I scored against Sassuolo was more important because they were winning 1-0 at the time. When I scored against Torino I think we were already 3-0 or 3-1 up, so I think the Sassuolo goal was more important. That said, it was a great feeling because it was a lovely goal.”

How do you rate Mohamed Salah?

“He’s a lovely guy, very laid back. He’s very quiet – he speaks less than me! As a player, we all know how important he is for us and we need to make the most of him. He’s possibly the player I look to find more than any other, because he’s always looking to get in behind the defenders. It means I can play it to him first time. I pass to him a lot.”

What was it like to score your first goal for Roma against Cagliari?

“It was an amazing feeling. I didn’t play much that season but in that game I scored about five minutes after coming on. It was an important one because it helped us win the game. It was a big moment.”

What memories do you have of your time at Empoli?

“I have some great memories. I had a great year there, both on and off the pitch. They treated me very well – all of my team-mates and the staff. It was a fantastic season and I met some great people that I’m still friends with now. I have wonderful memories of Empoli.”

What’s your favourite goal you’ve ever scored?

“My favourite goal was definitely the first one I scored for Boca, because I was very young – only 17. It was really important because it had always been my dream to score at the Bombonera. It was at the start of the game: there was a loose ball on the edge of the area, I controlled and shot for the near post. In my eyes it’s the best goal I’ve ever scored, just because it was the first.”

Do you like animals? Do you have any pets?

“Yeah, I really like animals and I have two dogs. One is a Maltese and I’m not sure what the other one is called in Italian. I also have a rabbit. My daughter loves them so I got her one as a present. The rabbit’s name is Sullivan and the dogs are called Lolly and Buddy. They all get on!”

What’s your favourite colour?

“Blue.”

What’s your favourite thing about the city of Rome and Roma as a club?

“I like everything about Rome – the Coliseum I think is the most beautiful building. In terms of the club, I’d definitely say the group. We all get on really well so that’s my favourite thing about the team.”

Who do you share a room with on away trips?

“Nobody. I have a room to myself now that Manu Iturbe has left.”

What kind of music do you listen to?

“Reggaeton and Cumbia Argentina music. We play it in the dressing room sometimes. We don’t argue about what music we put on – I always choose!”

What position did you play in when you were a youth player?

“I was always a trequartista until I joined Roma. When I went to Empoli, [Marco] Giampaolo put me in front of the defence. I really like the position. I had my doubts in the beginning because I’d never played there before, but I enjoy it now. I get the ball a lot, which I really like. I still think I can improve a lot – there’s plenty still to learn. It’s not even been two years since I started playing there so I can still learn a lot, especially playing with someone like Daniele [De Rossi].”

Who’s your best mate in the dressing room?

“I get on well with everyone. As I’ve said, I’m especially close to the other Argentine players because we speak the same language and our families spend time together.”

Who did you click with most on the field?

“I’d say Salah. I know the kind of movement he makes and he knows when I’m going to play it over the top and when I’m going to look to get it into his feet. That says, even if he starts running late he usually gets there – he’s so quick!”

Juan Roman Riquelme or Juan Sebastian Veron?

“Riquelme.”

Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo?

“Messi.”

Do you like any other sports other than football?

“Yes, I like tennis and basketball. I play a lot of table tennis too.”

What would you do if you weren’t a footballer?

“I’ve honestly never thought about it.”

How many tattoos do you have and what was the first one you got?

“I’m not sure how many I have – a lot! The first was of my mother’s name on my back, but since then I’ve had loads. And I’m not done yet.”

How do you get on with Kevin Strootman?

“Very well. He’s a great lad and I really enjoy playing with him too. It’s a lot easier when you’re playing alongside players like him, Daniele [De Rossi] and [Radja] Nainggolan. They really help you.”

What’s your relationship like with Stephan El Shaarawy? How did the dab celebration come about?

“We get on really well and spend a lot of time together. We like to mess about a bit in training and things and that’s how the dab celebration came about really. We just decided to do it the next time one of us scored.”

What’s your favourite Italian dish? Can you cook?

“I don’t cook at all. I can make sandwiches. My favourite dish is Paccheri alla Sorentina [pasta with tomato and mozzarella].

You’ve played in both Roma v Lazio and Boca Juniors v River Plate. How would you compare the two derbies?

“They’re very similar because both of the matches are very important. Everyone in the city really cares.”

Who’s the best player you’ve ever played against?

“Messi.”

How did you feel when you met Francesco Totti for the first time?

“It was strange. It was an amazing feeling to become team-mates with such an important player with so much history behind him. He’s also a great person and has always treated me very well – I’d like to thank him for that.”