After the expectation generated in recent days, the experienced goalkeeper Sergio “Chiquito” Romero made his official presentation this Monday as Boca’s new reinforcementaccompanied by Jorge Amor Ameal, president of the institution, and Jorge Bermúdez, member of the Football Council.
“After so many years in Europe, the challenge for every footballer was to come to the biggest club in Argentina. It is a very important step to get to Boca, I am happy with this possibility. Physically I’m very good to play,” the goalkeeper who played last season at Venezia in Italy started by saying at a press conference.
“I told Román (Riquelme, vice president of the club and head of the Football Council) that he had possibilities in England, in the Premier League. But finally I discussed it with my wife and we agreed to come here. I think that stopping in Boca was one of the great decisions I made in my life. From here it is said that the Bombonera trembles with its people,” said the native of Bernardo de Irigoyen, Misiones, who made his debut in Argentine soccer playing for Racing.
Regarding his academic progress, the 35-year-old player referred to Racing’s disinterest, since he was even training at the Avellaneda club’s Tita Mattiussi venue: “I am in the final stage of my rehabilitation and despite being part of the recovery in Racing, nobody offered me anything from Avellaneda, so I was available”.
Romero played just four games at Avellaneda, as he was quickly sold to AZ Alkmaar of the Netherlands. Previously trained in the CAI of Comodoro Rivadavia, Chubut, he debuted in the Clausura 2007 with Gustavo Costas as DT and a few months later he was Under 20 world champion in Canada with Hugo Tocalli as coach and a team where Sergio Agüero and Maxi Moralez stood out.
Then came steps through Monaco, Sampdoria, Manchester United and, finally, Venezia. In the meantime, He established himself in the National Team: he played the World Cups in South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014 and kept the record for the most games played by a goalkeeper (96).
asked about red frameswith whom he shared a squad in the National Team and United, the goalkeeper did not hesitate: “With Marcos we have been friends for years and I always talk; what’s more, since he arrived here he burned my head to come to Boca”.
“From tomorrow I am going to focus on doing the best in Boca. I was able to rehabilitate myself with the people of AFA and for that I also thank President Claudio ‘Chiqui’ Tapia. I am in a position to work alongside the group. I don’t think about the National Team at the moment, I have to give everything in Boca and from that things will come on their own,” he added about the chance to be in Qatar at the end of the year.
Finally, regarding the possibility of debuting next Sunday against the Academy, he shot: “I’m a Racing fan, but if I have to be against them, I’ll take it as a professional, because now I have to defend these new colors. I understand that we are all very passionate here, but I did not receive any call from Avellaneda. And coming to Boca is a very big step in my career.”.
