Radja: This defeat really hurts

The Giallorossi won 2-1 on the night at the Stadio Olimpico, but went out 4-5 on aggregate after last week's 4-2 defeat in the first leg.

Would you say Roma wasted too many chances today?

“We did because we had the opportunities to score a third. We really went for it. Looking back at the chances we had after the match it really is a shame because we could have got that goal we needed.”

Does it make you even more gutted about what happened in the second half in Lyon?

“It does because we've ended paying the price for that fourth goal. We're gutted but we played well today right from the start and showed how hungry we were to go through. We pulled out all the stops. I think we showed we're a great team and all that was missing was the goal that would have sent us through.”

At least there was a big crowd today. Did you feel the difference?

“Of course we felt it but we can't use it as an excuse anyway because we've picked up great results at home this season, winning them all except one. But yes, you can hear the fans and it lifts you.”

Why do you think Roma keep coming that bit short in the decisive games?

“If we go back to the tie against Porto we were excellent in the first leg and even though we were reduced to ten men we held onto the result. In the second leg we had the chance to level the scores even with nine men, so I think we've shown what sort of team we are.

"Perhaps we need to learn to manage games a bit better, like in the second half in Lyon when we were in front. It's hard to talk about results now though because we're upset. As I said, we had the chances to go through tonight so it hurts even more that we didn't.”

Do you think the team has made that mental improvement Luciano Spalletti wanted from you?

“Mentally we were superb tonight. We fell behind but managed to come back and turn it around then kept on pushing. We had the right mentality. We were desperate to prove how good we are and reach the next round.

"The goals we conceded in the first leg hurt the most right now, but we can't keep going over the past or you'll never move on. What we have to do is look forward and take the positives from the way we played today.”