Paredes delighted to be back with Roma team-mates

Leandro Paredes is delighted to be back with his Roma team-mates after a year out on loan at Empoli.

The Argentine midfielder, who made ten appearances and scored one goal for Roma during the 2014-15 season, played 33 times for Empoli in the most recent campaign and feels ready to produce his best form in Roma’s upcoming friendly against Al-Ahly.

“I’m delighted to be back with this group,” Paredes told Roma TV. “I hope to perform well here in Dubai, then I’ll go off and holiday and come back in the best shape possible for the summer training camp.”

What was it like to link up with Roma again after a year away?

“I found the same fantastic group, even if not everyone is here, seeing as some are away on international duty.”

You play Al-Ahly on Friday. Is it an opportunity to impress Luciano Spalletti?

“Definitely. I’ll try to give my all for the team.”

It was a good year for you at Empoli, wasn’t it?

“Absolutely. It’s been a really positive season in Tuscany for me. I’ve tried to play well and find some consistency. We achieved our objectives so I can’t not be happy with how things went.”

In what ways do you feel you’ve improved over the past season?

“I think I’ve really developed both as a player and a person at Empoli this year.”

Did you enjoy taking up a slightly deeper role at Empoli?

“I felt good a little further back. It was [Marco] Giampaolo’s idea and I enjoyed playing in that position.”

To what extent did the experience of having trained with the likes of Daniele De Rossi at Roma help you last season?

“It’s been a massive help to train with him and all the midfielders in the squad. I’ve learned so much from them and I’ll try to continue doing so.”

Roma’s match against Al Ahly will be streamed live on RomaTV+ from 18:00 CET on Friday. Click here to sign up for free to watch the game.