Veteran Roma defender Federico Balzaretti spoke of his happiness having finally played a game for the Giallorossi after a long injury lay-off.
The 33-year-old left back started his side’s last game of the campaign at home to Sicilian side Palermo, though his return to the team ended in defeat as the Rosaneri took all three points with a 2-1 win in Rome.
“I am so proud to be here in the side this evening,” he said to Mediaset. “At my age to have had to overcome such a struggle is not easy but I never lost the desire to keep playing.
“It’s tough to have lost this evening, having conceded a goal right at the end but Roma have had a good season. Finishing second is still quite an achievement.
“Other teams have battled us to try and finish second but we won that fight and for that reason it’s been a positive year.”
