Revealed: Balerdi turned down Boca Juniors to join Roma | OneFootball

Leonardo Balerdi’s arrival at Roma wasn’t just a transfer decision, but also a personal one for the Argentine defender.

The central defender, who had an excellent start to the season with the Giallorossi, had received a significant offer from Boca Juniors, the team he supports and where he began his career, last summer.

The Argentine club had tried very hard to convince him: the president and coach had contacted him personally, putting a significant financial offer on the table, including a high salary and the possibility of further increasing his salary through a sponsorship agreement.

Not only that, the defender was also offered a central role in Boca’s future, with the possibility of wearing the captain’s armband when Leandro Paredes finished his time at the club.

Despite the Argentine club’s strong interest, however, Balerdi had already made his decision.

Upon Roma’s first call, the 1999-born player apparently chose to wait for the Giallorossi, rejecting other options on the table.

This demonstrates the defender’s desire to embark on a new experience, still in Europe, and to test his skills in Italian football. A choice that, at least for the start of this season, seems to have paid off with his performances for Gian Piero Gasperini’s team.