Diego Llorente has told AS Roma’s official website that he did “everything possible” to leave Leeds United this summer to rejoin AS Roma on loan – after a season-long switch was confirmed over the weekend for the defender.
Llorente, 29, returns to Jose Mourinho’s side after spending the second half of last season on loan at Roma. His first loan came just a month after signing a new contract at Elland Road. Mourinho then formed a reunion with Llorente.
Indeed, the Spain international was handed his professional debut by Mourinho at Real Madrid – helping form a deal in the first place. He struggled to get into the side and despite a couple of injuries, still managed to play 12 times.
One of those outings even came in the Europa League final, defeat to Sevilla on penalties. Now, Llorente has gone back to Roma on loan for the entire 23-24 season – and has admitted he did everything he could to rejoin Roma.
“I’ve always known I’d do everything possible to stay, not just to remain part of such a historic club, but also to be back alongside my team-mates to fight together, with our fans, to achieve targets that we deserve,” Llorente said.
Llorente did everything possible to leave Leeds to rejoin Roma on loan
Llorente simply had to leave. What is frustrating from a Leeds point of view, is that another player has left on loan, without bringing in a fee for him. Or, a permanent fee. Leeds will have received a loan fee, and his wages covered.
Roma have not disclosed whether there is a permanent clause in Llorente’s loan. Initially, it was believed there would be – but reports closer to the signing suggested otherwise. Either way, Llorente is unlikely to play for Leeds again.
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