Diego Llorente was finally handed his first start for Roma since joining the club on loan from Leeds United but he lasted just 45 minutes before coming off with an injury – and he has taken to Instagram, saying it was a “shame”.
Llorente, 29, joined Roma in the summer. The Mail report it is a loan deal with the option to make it a permanent switch, a deal that would set Jose Mourinho’s side back £18m. It comes after falling down the Leeds picking order.
The Spain international had only managed 59 games for Leeds in two and a half years at Elland Road. Injury and a lack of form at the back has hampered the ex-Real Madrid man. He is back with the man that gave him his debut.
Indeed, while Madrid manager, Mourinho gave Llorente his professional debut and that helped convince Llorente to join Roma on loan until the summer. But it has been a frustrating period for Llorente, at Mourinho’s Serie A side.
Before last night, Llorente was an unused sub in seven of a possible eight games – coming on for a few minutes in a win over Empoli. But on Thursday, he started against Real Sociedad, his old side. But injury saw him come off at HT.
Llorente takes to Instagram after lasting 45 minutes in first Roma start
Indeed, Football Italia report that Llorente suffered an adductor injury. A real blow, given that Llorente had looked solid in defence and decent in possession during the first 45. Roma secured an impressive 2-0 win over Sociedad.
After the game, Llorente took to Instagram to share his feelings. He underlined his delight at making his first start for Roma – but described it as a “shame” that he had to come off with a problem. It is unclear how long he is out for.
Translation: “Happy for the victory and for my first minutes as a starter in a very special match. Shame I had to go off at halftime. Thanks to the fans for their support. The atmosphere was incredible!”
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