Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola was full of praise for AS Roma captain and veteran Italian striker Francesco Totti ahead of die Roten's Champions League clash with the Serie A side at Stadio Olimpico, this Tuesday.
The former Barcelona boss recalled the time when he featured for the Giallorossi back in 2002 alongside Totti before departing the club mid-way through the season. 12 years later, Guardiola is retired and has entered the coaching scene, whilst the former Azzurri remains an integral figure amongst the Roma ranks.
The 2006 World Cup winner made European football history in September by becoming the oldest player to score in the Champions League after netting past Manchester City's Joe Hart in the 1-1 draw at the Etihad.
"Of course, when I played for Roma I sat on the bench and Totti was on the field. And it's still the same!" Guardiola joked.
"Anyone still playing at the age of 38 has a great passion for this sport. That's phenomenal.
"Normally at the age of 38, a professional player has earned enough money and quits. Totti still plays and that's because he loves this game."
Despite the admiration he holds for Totti and his club, Guardiola stressed the importance of returing from the Italian capital with all three points, arguing: "We have a great opportunity here. If we win both matches against Roma, we will reach the knockout stage.
"But if we do not play well, we will not win. Roma are a good team and they have many fast players.
"But, at the moment, are playing better than we were at the same stage last year."
Pep was not the only one to praise the 38-year-old Italian. Die Mannschaft ace Thomas Muller called Totti a legend, saying: "Totti is not just a legend in Rome. His loyalty to Roma is remarkable. I take my hat off to him for that", whilst Dutch winger Arjen Robben hailed last season's Serie A runners-up for their style of play.
"Roma are our toughest rivals at the moment. They're playing the best football in Italy at the present time."
