At the Vélodrome, where the final whistles of Leonardo Balerdi’s Marseille spell were drowned by jeers, the Argentine defender has chosen to carry both the pain and the affection with him to Italy.
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Balerdi has reflected on his departure from Olympique de Marseille after joining Roma on loan, saying the difficult end to his six-year stay in Provence will serve as motivation rather than bitterness.
The centre-back’s last appearance for OM came against Atlético de Madrid at the Vélodrome, when he was booed by sections of the home support. Speaking after his move, Balerdi admitted that it was not the farewell he had wanted.
“It was a hard moment,” he said. “I did not want my final match at the Vélodrome to end that way. But I take everything I experienced in Marseille with me, the good and the bad. It will make me stronger and help me in the future.”
Rather than focus solely on the hostile reception, Balerdi stressed the support he received across his six years at the club.
“I do not only remember being whistled,” he added. “I also remember the love people gave me during those six years. That is what matters most. I do not know whether it was fair or unfair. As we say in Spanish, it is love and hate. At times many people loved me, and at other times many hated me. I used both as motivation and energy.”
The 27-year-old has made an immediate impression in Rome. Gian Piero Gasperini praised him on Monday and invoked the name of Franco Baresi, while making clear that the former Marseille player was not being placed on the same level as the legendary Italian defender.
Balerdi welcomed the compliment but insisted that his start at Roma remains far too early for grand conclusions. He has played only a match and a half since arriving.
“I was pleased by the comparison, but there is only one Baresi,” Balerdi said. “He achieved extraordinary things in football. I have to remain humble and keep working. It gives me motivation, but I must stay calm and follow my path. I have only just arrived and have played one and a half games. I need to keep playing.”
