Conti: Delighted to have the chance to play at the Bernabeu again

Conti won the World Cup with Italy at the ground in 1982, and will return as part of the Giallorossi Legends team that will face their Real Madrid counter-parts in what has become an annual contest.

Read what he had to say about the contest, and his excitement at facing the Spanish side.

You be part of the Roma Legends team against Real Madrid at the Bernabeu on Sunday...

“Yes, I will. It'll be great to meet up with loads of my old team-mates who now live in different parts of the world – Argentina, Brazil and other places. I was at the presentation press conference in Madrid in March and it was nice to be involved in promoting an initiative like this that's for a good cause. It's our duty to help those in need so we're delighted to taking part in the Corazon Classic Match.”

Have you been training for it?

“I've been doing a bit of running, yes – I don't want to get injured! We'll see how it goes when I get out there...”

You must be looking forward to it.

“I can't wait to play at such a fantastic stadium, especially as it's for a wonderful cause. I'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate Florentino Perez because not only has he achieved great results on the pitch but he also regularly organises charity initiatives like this. The proceeds from our match at the Bernabeu will be going to needy people in Africa and that's important. Roma's American owners are planning very well too to obtain excellent results both on and off the pitch, including charity initiatives.”

Who's your favourite Real player that you might meet on Sunday?

“My favourite player is Raul – he's a leftie like me and has a similar build. He's world-class. We were fairly similar players, although he scored lots more goals than me during his career.”

You had a thing for Spain in your playing days too, didn't you?

“Definitely, and not just with Italy. Spain has always been good to me. I'll never forget playing in a tournament here in Seville in 1977 when I won best player, although obviously nothing can beat winning the World Cup final at the Bernabeu. The Spanish fans started supporting us after Spain got knocked out – I'll never forget that. From the quarter-final stage on we beat some amazing teams: Argentina, Brazil and Germany with all their superstars like Maradona, Zico, Passarella and the rest.

"Beating Germany in the World Cup final at such an amazing stadium was a truly unforgettable moment. It will be an honour to go back there on 11 June. I can't wait to set foot on that pitch again!”