Totti senses Roma's time is now

Francesco Totti insists he is unaware of the attention he has been receiving in Spain ahead of AS Roma's trip to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for the concluding leg of their first knockout round encounter with Real Madrid CF.

Spanish praise
With the Italian side having edged a rousing first game 2-1, the Spanish press have identified the Roma talisman as the main threat to Madrid's chances of reaching the quarter-finals. "I don't know what has been written about me here," said Totti. "Spain is one of the best places in the world to play football so it's nice that they talk about me."

Scoring menace
Madrid will be wise to watch the 31-year-old as he has scored against them at the Bernabéu on two previous occasions – one a group-stage winner in October 2002. This time, Totti is pointing to teamwork as key to the Giallorossi plotting a successful path to the next round. "We must see a strong Roma team taking to the pitch," he said. "Our main weapon will be our togetherness. We are in the best physical shape possible and we have to take advantage of that in order to progress."

Record appearance
Captain Totti celebrated becoming Roma's record appearance maker in Serie A after the 1-1 draw with FC Internazionale Milano on 27 February – it was his 387th league match for the club where he has spent his entire career. Ousting Madrid would represent another big prize for a player nicknamed 'Gladiator' in the Eternal City. "We know we will be facing a Real Madrid side who are stronger at home than away," he said. "Their team frighten me more than the stadium, to be honest, and if we don't concentrate it could be a disaster."

Optimism
Recognising a squad's limits is a difficult task at this level, yet Totti – who admits to not being "100 per cent because of some back problems" – feels he and his team-mates have the ability to advance based upon past results. "Roma are a competitive team in Europe and although we may not be the best, we have the opportunity to demonstrate how good we are on Wednesday," continued the former Italian international. "If we win, it will be huge for us."