“Hello? Hi, this is Leandro Castan. I’m just calling to tell you this is one of the happiest days of my life: I’ve been given the all-clear to play again!”

That was Leo’s message when he picked up the phone and called Roma Radio this morning to share the long-awaited good news with Giallorossi fans.

The 28-year-old defender only played two games last season before having to sit out because of a cavernoma, which was removed by surgery in December.

After months of hard work the Brazilian began his gradual integration back into the group towards the end of the 2014-15 campaign. Now that he’s been certified fit to play, he’s impatient for the new season to begin and is aiming to reach his peak as quickly as possible.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone who’s offered me their support in this period. Now I need to get my head down and work hard every day so that I can find my best form again. I can’t wait to get back out there after sitting on the sidelines for eight months.

“I’ll take four days’ holiday now, but only because my daughter is due next week, then I’ll knuckle down again. I want to train with the other guys when they come back and be 100% for the start of the season.”

Leo then revealed that he hopes to join up with his team-mates at Roma’s pre-season training camp in Pinzolo, starting on July 6, and has high aspirations for 2015-16.

“Let’s see what sort of schedule I’ll have to follow but I hope to be up in Pinzolo with all of you and I hope that next season brings us all lots of joy and success. Let’s take Roma to the top!”