Keita: We have to do everything we can to beat Napoli

“We have to try to win for Roma,” the Giallorossi midfielder told Sky Sport Italia on Friday. “It’s a big match and we need to do everything we can to get the win, but it won’t be easy because Napoli are a great side.”

Keita – who has made 19 Serie A appearances this season – was also quick to point out that Napoli are about much more than just Gonzalo Higuain: “They’re five points ahead of us and that’s because of the whole team, not just one player. That’s the reality of the situation.”

Your form has dropped off a bit against Bologna, Atalanta and Torino. How do you explain that?

“With all due respect, when a team like Roma plays against those sides we have to be winning, given that we’re aiming for second or third place. If we draw it means something’s not gone right. It was a tough match against Torino – tactically they’re very good – but in the end we picked up three important points in the race for Champions League football.”

You’ve had great success in your career. What do Roma need to do to win the Scudetto?

“Football is about what you do on the pitch. There’s too much talk about the Roma environment – I don’t know what that even means. You win on the pitch. We had a tough time at the start of the season but then we racked up nine wins on the bounce. The pitch tells you all you need to know.”

What was it like to experience the finale to Roma v Torino? What do you remember of those last few minutes?

“Personally, I don’t have any special memory of it. I’m happy for Francesco – he’s part of our dressing room. It would have been the same for any other player earning a win for the side. I’m happy we got the three points and pleased for him, but I would have been equally happy had it been Radja [Nainggolan], Miralem [Pjanic] or [Diego] Perotti.”

Is there too much talk about Totti in Rome?

“I don’t know. As soon as I finish my interviews I go home and don’t listen to anything else. I’m a father and I don’t pay any attention to what people say outside.”

You’ve returned to your best form under [Luciano] Spalletti. Will you be at Roma next season?

“When I joined Roma two years ago I had a serious injury – my muscle had basically become separated. I was playing badly with just the one leg and I didn’t have the strength I needed. The only thing that’s changed is that my legs are now allowing me to play. I don’t have any problems as regards the future – I’m 36 years old, I’ve won it all and there’s nothing I’m missing.”

But you’ve not won here at Roma…

“That’s true. God has given me a lot, I’m relaxed. But of course, I’d be delighted to win something with Roma.”