'One step at a time' - Paredes presented as new Boca player

"The sensations are incredible". Those were Leandro Paredes' first words as soon as the press conference began. The midfielder was introduced by Boca Juniors president Juan Roman Riquelme, who said he wished him to "enjoy being at home".

Paredes, 31, recalled that he had long hoped his return to the club would be at a good level and said: "I feel very good physically and football-wise, I've matured a lot in terms of football and personally, so I'm happy.

The defensive midfielder also said that the support of his family was a determining factor in his decision to return to Boca: "They didn't hesitate for a second to tell me to pack my suitcase and come, I have to be totally grateful to my children and my wife.

The Argentina midfielder did not give any details about when he will make his debut in this second stage and recalled that he is returning from a holiday period, but said: "I hope to get well quickly to lend a hand".

"My dream was to get back to achieving important things. It's easy to say that about the Copa Libertadores, but you have to take it one step at a time," Paredes said of what he expects from his new spell at Boca, where he made 31 appearances and scored five goals between 2010 and 2013.

The stands at La Bombonera were packed with thousands of fans who turned out on Thursday evening to welcome the player, who walked out onto the pitch visibly emotional with his family, all wearing Boca shirts, surrounded by flags and fireworks, to the chants of encouragement characteristic of the Argentinian fans.