Francesco Totti believes Roma can make an impact in the Champions League this season, by following the example set by Atletico Madrid.
Diego Simeone’s side were underdogs heading into last year’s competition, but reached the final and took Real Madrid into extra-time.
Francesco Totti believes Roma can make an impact in the Champions League this season, by following the example set by Atletico Madrid.
Diego Simeone’s side were underdogs heading into last year’s competition, but reached the final and took Real Madrid into extra-time.
Speaking at today’s Press conference ahead of Roma’s re-entry into the competition, Totti says the Spaniards’ are the example to take inspiration from.
“We’ll see if we are ready [to emulate Atletico] when we get on to the pitch,” the club captain has considered today.
“We’ll try to make a good impression, and we’ll give it our all, even against the strongest teams. It would be great if we could emulate the success Atletico had last season.
“In the Champions League every team is a top side. But that’s how we like it. We will challenge every team head-on and try to make things difficult for them.
“Tomorrow is a very important game, and it’s gratifying to be back in the Champions League. Roma should be playing in these kind of games every year.”
With Roma breaking records in Serie A last season, coming second to Juventus but with a record points tally, is this the best side Totti has played in?
“It’s not easy to make comparisons. What I can say is that I’ve played with a lot of great players, in many different teams, from Capello’s team, to Spalletti’s to today.
“I just want to progress as far as possible, hopefully we can improve on what we did under Spalletti.
“Could I have won more trophies if I had left Roma? I’ve played a lot of games, I made the right choice!
“If I’d played with Barcelona or Real Madrid then maybe I’d have won more… Although maybe if they’d had me they’d have lost more, you never know!”
Roma will meet a familiar face when they come up against Bayern Munich, after Mehdi Benatia’s move to the Allianz Arena this summer. However, Totti insists his side will not be too focussed on their former compatriot.
“Did I try to convince Benatia to stay? We all tried, but it was his decision. Benatia is in our past, he’s a player who did well for us, but that chapter is now closed.”
Totti also took the time to discuss the fortunes of Italian sides in Europe over the past few seasons.
“At the moment, teams from the other leagues are stronger than ours. In Italy we had Juve and Milan a few seasons ago, and Inter’s treble, but not much else.
“Real Madrid and Barcelona are stronger than the rest, and have a better chance of winning.”
As he approaches his 38th birthday, many believe this could be Totti’s last European campaign, but the Giallorossi talisman is not so sure.
“I’m happy with what I’ve done in the past and what I’m doing now. I still think I have a lot to give for Roma. I’ll be the first to admit when I don’t have the strength to continue.”