Diego Llorente makes Jose Mourinho proud in full Serie A debut for Roma, working on permanent Leeds United exit
Diego Llorente’s first Serie A start for Roma was a success and the Spaniard is still “working” on a permanent Leeds United exit, as per Corriere dello Sport.
The centre-back has had a difficult time since his January loan move to the Stadio Olimpico, having barely featured and been withdrawn with injury in his only start so far – a Europa League clash with former side Real Sociedad on 9 March.
But the 29-year-old made his full league debut for the club in a comfortable 3-0 over Sampdoria on Sunday (2 April), and the Special One hailed the loanee’s performance afterwards.
Corriere dello Sport report that serial trophy-winner Mourinho singled Llorente out for praise after the game, saying: “He made me proud because he has had constant growth”.
Llorente’s response was: “If I’m here it’s thanks to him, and now I’m working to stay”.
According to the report it will be the former Chelsea and Real Madrid boss who is the “catalyst for the ambitions” of those who wish to remain at Roma – Llorente has a £18million permanent option in his Whites loan deal.
Looking up
What a difference a game makes. Before the weekend there looked to be next to no chance that the Elland Road misfit would complete a permanent move to Italy.
But an assured performance and a clean sheet next to Chris Smalling in a win that saw the club move level on points with fourth-placed Inter has revealed more of a relationship between the Leeds man and the illustrious manager than was previously apparent.
The Europa Conference League holders shelling out the full £18million seems like a bit of a stretch still, but perhaps not as outlandish as it did a few days ago.
If Llorente keeps his place in the side over the final weeks of the season and helps the Giallorossi qualify for the Champions League then he would have feasibly paid for himself to stay.
But even if they aren’t prepared to pay what was a surprise amount when the move was completed at the end of the winter window, there is sure to be a willingness in West Yorkshire to negotiate rather than receive a player back who would be of little use.
Credit to Llorente for fighting to take the opportunity to stay in Italy, and while there is still a fair way to go for it to be realised he looks to have passed a major test.
In other Leeds United news, one Elland Road ace is set to learn a key legal decision within the next 24-hours that could have a major baring on his future.
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