Not Riquelme or Cavani: what hastened Paredes' Boca return

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La Número 12

·20 April 2026

Not Riquelme or Cavani: what hastened Paredes' Boca return

Leandro Paredes spoke about his return to Boca and how the negotiations unfolded. After long talks and many people involved, the San Justo native highlighted an unexpected name that was fundamental in securing his return before the 2026 World Cup.

In addition to the persistence of Juan Román Riquelme, Boca’s captain pointed out that Fernando Gago was key in helping him make the decision earlier. According to Paredes, his return had been planned for after the World Cup to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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Paredes, the scorer of the winning goal in the Superclásico.

“My plan was to return after the World Cup. I think Fer Gago was one of the people who helped me make this decision much earlier,” Paredes began explaining on Davo Xeneize’s stream. The midfielder said his “phone was blowing up” every day.

The former Boca player and coach had a formula that proved crucial. He would call the World Cup winner, while his wife would call Camila Galante, who seemed to be the main person to convince. In that regard, Paredes added: “when he convinced my wife, we tried to come, but well, it didn’t happen, and I ended up arriving later in June.”

Paredes alongside Gago, Erbes, and Colazo before his return to Boca.

As for the adjustment, the San Justo native said it was not easy for the family, especially for his children. “The adjustment was not easy at all; nowadays they’re much better, but the truth is they had a hard time,” he explained. He also added that “people see what you show on the outside, but behind closed doors things happen that keep you from being 100% focused on what you need to be focused on.”

Leandro Paredes’ role in the next transfer window

Just as Fernando Gago, Juan Román Riquelme, and Edinson Cavani were reportedly key in convincing Leandro Paredes, Boca’s current captain was asked about his possible role in the next transfer window. Given his stature and importance as a World Cup winner, the midfielder could be vital in negotiations.

The World Cup winner plays a decisive role.

However, he prefers to stay out of those kinds of matters. “I don’t get involved,” Paredes stressed, while highlighting the role of the president and the board of directors. As for his place, he underlined: “Right now I’m the team captain, and that’s the only thing I’m thinking about.”