Unwanted at Leeds United under Jesse Marsch, Diego Llorente was sent on loan to AS Roma last January, where he eventually managed to convince José Mourinho.
This led to a desire from all parties to try and make the deal a more permanent one, although that never materialised.
Instead, the centre-back, who was interviewed by Radio Radio, relayed by Siamo La Roma, ended up returning to Roma on another loan with an obligation to buy under certain conditions.
The Spaniard is delighted with the deal, since he clearly didn’t want to play in the Championship with the Whites this season.
He was part of a mass exodus from the club, which saw Rasmus Kristensen also joining him in Rome on loan from Leeds.
Asked if he was hoping to sign at AS Roma permanently, Llorente said: “Yes, there were three parties involved. Roma, Leeds and me. I wanted to continue here. A definitive agreement was not found, but I’m not worried about that because my desire was to return here.”
As for whether he feels Kristensen will help, he added: “He’s a very complete player, who can give a lot defensively and offensively. I’m sure he’ll help us a lot. He has character, a good physique. I think he’s a great acquisition who will come in handy.”
Now, we will have to wait and see whether the conditions in the agreement between Leeds and Roma are met to make Llorente stay beyond the upcoming campaign.
