#AskCafu: The Brazilian legend answers questions from fans

Brazilian legend Cafu watched the last two days of Roma training in Boston, before joining them for their game against Juventus at Gillette Stadium.

We made the most of his visit to collect your questions for our Hall of Fame member. Here's what he had to say...

Billy: “Who is the best attacker you played against?”

“Ronaldo – Il Fenomeno. I faced him a number of times while at Roma, when he was at Inter. I think he was one of the best in the world.”

Matt: “Who was the best player you ever played with in the national team?”

“Ronaldo again! I’d say him and Romario. They had different qualities but they were both phenomenal in terms of scoring goals, each had their own way of doing so.”

Aziz: “Who is the best right back in history?”

“Carlos Alberto. In 1970, he had an incredible World Cup, even scoring in the final. We all rank behind him.”

Ernest: “Who do you think is the best defender at the moment?”

“If we’re talking full backs then I’d have to say Daniel Alves – no one compares to him. He’s well ahead of the competition. There are many top centre backs but I’d say Sergio Ramos is one of the best.”

Mo: “Which teams do you expect to be in the World Cup final?”

“Brazil! I hope to see them in the final after all these years. The last final we reached, and won, was back in 2002. Brazil are playing well right now, with a very tight group of players. I really hope they do get to the final – whether they win or not is another conversation. Maybe against Italy – that would be a great clash!”

Dylan: “What was the hardest part of being a professional footballer?”

“Being a professional in itself – dedicating yourself 100% to your job. There are players and there are top-level professional athletes – they are two very different things. Top-level athletes give everything to what they do, with a huge amount of sacrifice, just to play football.”

Yahya: “Who's the best player you have played with at Roma?”

“We’ve had loads of fantastic players. When you win, it’s because the whole team is made up of great players. I saw [Francesco] Totti develop at Roma – his evolution while we were here together, from the beginning of his career. And I saw him continue until retirement. We had six years together, during which time he was one of the most important players in the team.”

Genghiz: “Who is the best player you've ever played with at Roma? ~ beside Totti, of course ;)”

“Aldair. The consistent level of his performances was quite remarkable.”

Steven: “How did you feel about Totti’s retirement?”

“He was truly phenomenal. The game has lost a wonderful player, but that time must come, whoever you are. It’s totally natural. That day arrives when we all have to retire, when you have to make that decision, even when you don’t want to.”

Nicò: "Do you like the look of this Roma team?"

“It’s a good squad – a very good Roma side. They can become an outstanding side if they make a good start, winning games and playing well as they go forward.”

Tom: “Who would you like to see represent the Brazilian national team in the World Cup 2018 from the AS Roma squad?”

“Alisson [Becker] is already in the mix, but there are a number of others that can put themselves in contention. We’ll just have to see what performances they put in from the start of the season.”

AS Roma UK: “What do you think about Gerson?”

“He’s very good indeed – a young player with a lot to offer, who could become a crucial part of the team.”

Marco: “Describe Roma in less than 10 words :)”

“It’s simply wonderful to play for Roma.”

Karibou: “Who was your best friend at Roma?”

“I had a good relationship with everyone. Us Brazilians spent a bit more time together – Aldair, [Antonio Carlos] Zago, Emerson, [Marcos] Assuncao, Fabio Junior, Paulo Sergio. But I had a good rapport with everyone.”

Patrizia: “Aside from the three sombreros over the head of [Pavel] Nedved, tell us a good and bad memory from your time with the Giallorossi.”

“A nice memory, other than the Scudetto win, would be the brace away at Fiorentina – they were two wonderful goals. A nasty memory that sticks in my mind is a day there was a protest and I was in the car with my children.”

Calik: “What came into your mind before doing that bit of skill against Nedved?”

“That piece of play against Nedved came naturally to me. I saw, in that moment, that I could play the ball in that way, so I did it, quickly.”

Lorenzo: “How was winning the Scudetto in 2001?”

“It was wonderful – we hadn’t won the title for 18 years. It was an incredible feeling. Many days later the fans were still celebrating in the streets and in the city squares. It’s not easy, but managing to do on a stage like this at Roma gives you twice the excitement and happiness.”