Legends reflect on charity match: It felt like the Champions League again!

On Sunday night Roma legends faced off against their Real Madrid counterparts in front of a near-full Santiago Bernabeu.

The Giallorossi ended up on the losing side but, with all the proceeds from the match going to charity projects in Africa, that was not the main point of the exercise.

See what some of the players had to say after the game, as they met up with some old friends and renewed old rivalries at one of Europe's most illustrious grounds.

Simone Perrotta

"We could have performed better, but I must say that it was a great game against well-drilled opponents in front of an extraordinary crowd. I messed up a chance to score, but results aren’t what matter in situations like these. We were invited by Real Madrid and we’re pleased that Roma are viewed as a prestigious club globally. Accordingly, we were asked by one of the biggest clubs in the world to come and play.

"Once again: the support was exceptional – 70,000 people, it was like a Champions League match. I believe former players are important for every club because they’re part of the history. Events like these highlight the role that ex-players can have when dealing with the public and organising celebrations and charity events."

Amedeo Carboni

"It was a proper, balanced match, regardless of what the scoreline may suggest. The stadium is amazing too and it’s always exciting coming back here. I played for Valencia in La Liga and had some great battles with Luis Figo and Real Madrid. It was nice to come back. The game drew a crowd of 75,000, but in Spain they often put on charity matches featuring ex-pros and they often do well. I hope that, along with all the other stuff they’re doing, Roma join other big Italian clubs in recognising the value that former players can have. In Spain, the veterans – as they’re known here – are an important part of the club and have training sessions and tournaments throughout the year. It brings the club to the people and spreads good will through charitable causes."

Damiano Tommasi

"It’s the first time I’ve lost at the Bernabeu! At the stadium today, it struck me that you don’t need much to perform well in this stadium. Matches like the one today at the Bernabeu are occasions which both fans and players enjoy. We’re delighted to spend some time with one another again and be involved in such a great event for charity. My former team-mates and I have been doing events like these for a couple of years now whenever Roma call upon us. It helps to carry the club’s colours around Italy and the world, while at the same time doing things for charity."

Ronaldo

"I’m happy so many people came. It’s important for us former footballers. We always want to use our prestige and popularity to help.

"I have a great history with Roma and I have some great friends from there whom I saw again today."

Bruno Conti

"It’s always a pleasure to come back to this stunning stadium with these supporters who gave us an incredible show of sportsmanship today. Thanks again to Real Madrid for inviting Roma and I hope there are more of these initiatives in the future."

Cafu

"It’s always nice when the supporters at such an amazing stadium as the Bernabeu give you a standing ovation; my thanks go to them. It’s great to meet up again and seeing Ronaldo was lovely as well. Doing all this for such a noble cause makes it even more special."

See more photos from the match here.