Leandro Paredes’ world has changed in just a few months. After 12 years in Europe and family life with Camilla Galante and her two children, Victoria (11) and Giovanni (8), Lautaro joined in March (seven months). And in the midst of the rock ‘n’ roll that requires another diaper change in any house, the midfielder made a decision that had been brewing for a long time: to return to Boca with full strength.
And so we have come to this day Everything is flowing like it hasn’t happened for a long time in the blue and gold club, At the end of a hectic year that began with long faces and frustrations and is approaching its conclusion Smiles, relaxation and enthusiasm.
For all that, when you’re in a conversation with Nation Paredes was asked about what his return to Argentina was like after a long time in Europe, how he found the club that shaped him and how he found himself returning to Argentine football, that kid who went to Roma with no children and a suitcase full of dreams, and now back as a world champion and with a united family, he responds with the usual freshness.
“I feel fine. amazing. Obviously, doing the processes that everyone has to do, personally and football, in this adaptation. But okay, happy. Very happy. I returned to my loved ones’ club, I returned to my home“, says Captain Boca with a smile. He adds: “I found that everything has clearly changed, because when I started this drug it did not exist, so I am happy. Hopefully we can continue to have fun.”
– On Sunday, several levels were opened at the same time: they beat River, qualified for the Copa Libertadores and entered the final qualifiers. How do you continue on the path of victories?
The first goal was to qualify for the Libertadores Cup. We did it in the best way against River, which made the match even more beautiful. But the goals remain very clear; We have to think about the next match, which will definitely be very important.
– During the Super Clásico match, I gave two very symbolic hugs. One for Marchesin after 1 versus 0, and another for Ubeda when the game ended. What meaning did they have?
– They were both real because they came out at the time. None of it was planned in advance. At the goal I looked for Agustín, and when the match ended I also crossed for Claudio to hug him. They are clearly people who can help us a lot. Augustin, for what he represents to us as our team’s starting goalkeeper. I try to make every colleague feel their best, and have as much confidence as possible, because that definitely makes us all grow. The same applies to our coach.
-Is playing the Copa Libertadores again something already on your mind?
– I can’t think about the Libertadores Cup now that Tigre comes first and then Playoffs. I have always lived my life and career very quietly during the day to actually think about the cup.
– You said something like this throughout the negotiation period, before you came back. How did you experience that process?
– Very quietly. I’m one of those people who believes that if something happens, it will happen. I am aware of that. The initial idea was to return last January, but as the pregnancy progressed, that was not possible. In fact, we wanted Lautaro to be born here, but in the end he was born in Rome. It happened this way and I’m happy, and I hope I can continue to do it this way.
-How did you feel when you played against River again?
– I enjoyed it a lot because it was my first Super Clásico as a starting player, as a captain, and perhaps with a more important role. There is no comparison to the one I experienced in my first phase, where I started as a substitute and played a few minutes.
– How did the idea come about organizing a barbecue party with your staff at your home every week? How are those meetings? Why did you suggest that?
– Because I believe that to achieve important things you need a strong group, a united group, a group of people who want to achieve important things. We try to be more together in this aspect. We started meeting once a week at my house and things are starting to improve, so we’re not going to change that. Let’s continue on this path.
-Are you looking to emulate the camaraderie you experience in the national team at Boca?
– Yes, but not only by choice. I had to be in important clubs, in important groups, and in the groups that were better, things went better. I think this is something that is very important for our sport.
Death of Miguel Angel Russo This took an emotional toll on the entire Xeneize team. A sad moment, somehow, Completion of unification of parts. In this process, Paredes’ role was key, holding constant talks with Miguelo, Úbeda and Juvenal Rodríguez so that the inevitable transfer would be as harmonious as possible.
Even with the weight of experience and hierarchy of playing 12 years in Europe’s elite, since arriving at Boca, the world champion has taken on the role the club has come to expect most of him. Just like off the field, he pays attention to every detail of each of his teammates. Inside he stood as the one who ordered and accommodated the team. At the same time, he spreads his professionalism in every training session, in every focus and in every match.
– What analysis can you do for the technical staff? Is it possible to compare with Scaloni?
– Highlight the calm they manage. Even with the little experience that Claudio (Ubeda) has, he is very important for us. It gives us a lot of peace of mind, a lot of confidence, they are people who communicate very well, they can help us a lot and I hope we continue to do that in the best way. We are happy that Claudio is doing very well. He leads a group of people and is very close to the player. This is very important. In that sense, I think we have a similar relationship to the one we have with Lionel (Scaloni). Hopefully the results in Boca will be similar as well.
– There is a lot of talk about your interference in daily life here with the children, with what is coming next. It is said that you are convincing Paulo Dybala to come next year. How do you deal with the matter and what is the truth of everything that can be collected for Boca Cupro 2026?
-I haven’t talked to Paolo lately. I hope you live your life calmly and make the decision you have to make. The desire and hope of playing together again will always be there, but these are personal (and even family) decisions, and I cannot interfere in them.
-And Neymar?
– I talk a lot with Nay. The truth is that I have a very good relationship. We are friends. We are always in touch, but he is at his club (Santos) and we always have to respect that, for other clubs and other players’ decisions… but if he wants to come, we will wait for him (laughs).
– Do you think Boca needs to strengthen himself a lot?
-I think about what is now and what we have now. I live my life and my career day by day, and I hope I can continue to help people here because that’s the way I was raised and that’s the way they raised me. I try to help all the time. I was lucky to have role models when we were kids who did it the best way, and I certainly got the best from them.
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