Leandro Paredes’ world changed in a few months. Lautaro joined in March (7 months old) after 12 years in Europe and family life with Camila Galante and their children Victoria (11 years old) and Giovanni (8 years old). And in the midst of rock’n’roll, when every household is changing diapers again, the midfielder made a decision he had been thinking about for a long time. It was a full-throttle return to Boca.
And that’s how we got to where we are today. Everything is flowing like it hasn’t happened in a long time at the Blue and Gold Club, At the end of a busy year that started with long faces and frustrations, here’s an epilogue. Smiles, Relaxation and Enthusiasm.
Nevertheless, in my conversation with you, nation When asked about what it was like to return to Argentina after a long stint in Europe, how he found the club that formed him and returned to Argentine football, how the boy who went to Rome without children and with a suitcase full of dreams is now back as a world champion and with a well-established family, Paredes responds with his usual freshness.
“I feel good. wonderful. It is clear that in that adaptation, each will go through the process that they have to go through, both personally and football-wise. But it’s okay, I’m happy. I’m very happy. I’m back to the club I love, I’m back home” said the Boca captain with a smile, adding: I hope you continue to enjoy it. ”
– On Sunday, several levels were unlocked at the same time. They defeated River and qualified for the Copa Libertadores, advancing to the Clausura play-offs. How do you stay on the winning path?
– The first goal was to qualify for the Libertadores. We did it in the best way against the river, which made it even more beautiful. But the goal is still very clear. We have to think about the next game, which will definitely be very important.
-During the Super Clasico, you gave two very symbolic hugs. One to Marchesin after 1-0 and the other to Ubeda at the end of the match. What meaning did they have?
– Both were authentic as they came out at the time. None of this was pre-planned. At the goal I looked for Agustín and when the match was over I also crossed Claudio and hugged him. Of course, they are people who help us a lot. Agustin, he represents us as the starting goalkeeper of our team. I strive to make each of my colleagues feel their best and as confident as possible. Because it will ensure that we all grow. And the same applies to our coaches.
– Is it already in your mind to play in the Libertadores again?
– Tigre comes first, then I can’t think about Libertadores. play off. I always lived my life and career very calmly during the day, already thinking about the cup.
– You said something like that throughout the negotiations before you came back. How did you experience that process?
– Very calm. I’m one of those people who thinks that if things have to happen, they will happen. I am aware of that. Her initial plan was to return in January last year, but due to her advanced pregnancy, that became impossible. I actually wanted Lautaro to be born here, but in the end he was born in Rome. I’m very happy that that happened, and I hope to continue like this.
– How did you feel when you played against River again?
– It was my first Super Clasico as a starter, as captain, and probably in an even more important role, so I had a lot of fun. It’s nothing compared to the first stage where he came on as a substitute and played a few minutes.
– How did the idea of having a weekly barbecue with your staff come about? What are those meetings like? Why did you propose them?
– Because I believe that to accomplish something important, you need a strong group, a united group, a group of people who want to accomplish something important. We’re trying to be more united on that front. We started meeting at my house once a week and things started going well, so I don’t plan on changing that. Let’s continue on that path.
– Do you want to emulate the culture of camaraderie you experienced on the national team at Boca?
– Yes, but not just by choice. I had to be in important clubs and important groups, and things went better in better groups. I think that’s very important for our sport.
Death of Miguel Angel Russo It had an emotional impact on the entire Xeneize team. In a way, it’s a sad moment, Parts have been joined. In this process, Paredes’ role was fundamental, constantly communicating with Miguelo, Ubeda and Juvenal Rodríguez to ensure that the inevitable transition was as harmonious as possible.
Despite the weight and class of his experience having played for 12 years in Europe’s elite teams, since arriving at Boca the world champion has taken on the role that the club had high hopes for him. And just as he does off the field, he pays close attention to every detail of each of his teammates. Inside, he stood as the person giving instructions and responding to the team.. At the same time, he spreads professionalism in every training session, every concentration and every match.
– What kind of analysis can be done about the coaching staff? Are there any similarities with Scaloni?
– emphasize the tranquility they manage. Claudio (Ubeda) may be inexperienced, but he is very important for us. It gives us a great sense of security and confidence. They are very good communicators and help us a lot. We want to continue to do that in the best way we can. Claudio is doing very well so we are happy. He leads a group of people and is very close to the players. That’s very important. In that sense, I think it’s similar to my relationship with Lionel (Scaloni). I hope to see similar results in Boca.
– There is a lot of talk here about everyday life with children and your interference in what will happen. It is said that he is trying to persuade Paulo Dybala to join him next year. How do you handle it and what is true about everything coming together for Boca Cupelo 2026?
-I haven’t talked to Paulo lately. I want them to live their lives calmly and make their own decisions. There is always the desire and desire to play together again, but that is a personal (and even family) decision and I cannot be involved in that.
– And what about Neymar?
– I talk to Nei often. To tell you the truth, I have a very good relationship with them. we are friends. We are always in touch, but he is in his club (Santos) and you always have to respect the decisions of other clubs and other players… But if he wants to come, we will wait for him (lol).
– Do you think Boca needs to strengthen a lot?
– I think now about what we have now. I live my life and career every day and hope that I can continue to help people here. Because that’s how I was raised and they raised me. I’m always trying to help. We were lucky to have role models who practiced it the best way when we were kids, and I definitely got the best from them.
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