Roma midfielder Leandro Paredes says he's happy in Italy.

On-loan with Empoli, Paredes has been linked with Liverpool and Chelsea.

“I feel ready for the big step up in my career," Paredes told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“I'd like to return to Roma. Serie A is more technical than the Premier League. Their football goes at a very fast pace, but you can never do without technique.

“Rudi Garcia had faith in me, but I think Empoli was the right choice. The training sessions are very intense here and I practice free kicks twice a week."