Spalletti's Slideshow

“This is our captain. He represents the history of Roma and is the best Italian player of the post-war period. I’ve learned so many things from him that I’ve gone on to use again. Things he’s done on the pitch have been recycled as part of training drills and led to many goals for my sides, even if he’s not scored them himself. He has given us so much quality and his record for this team and this club is incredible. He deserves everything that’s said about him and I hope he is able to finish up his career in the most honourable way possible, according to what his heart tells him to do. It’s a situation that places me in some difficulty – finding a balance between my role and Francesco Totti’s history. Many people want to put those things together but it’s a different matter all together. I have the utmost respect for Francesco Totti the player, the man and the legend.

“This was a wonderful goal and he scored many like that under me. He’s always had this type of shot in his locker – it’s something he’s known for the world over. His goals have allowed me to celebrate with the fans and win silverware. Some might view them as lesser trophies but in truth they were important moments in the history of Roma and gave us all reason to celebrate, all the Giallorossi faithful.”

“This is the second Coppa Italia we won. I came back to the club to continue what I started – to do a good job and to see if I was right. I was curious to see for myself whether my views on the team were right. I think it’s a good side that has all the necessary means to play good football and get our fans excited again. We’ll take stock at the end.”

“This is Pallotta, our president in full-on fan mode at home. He’s got bags of enthusiasm, loves his club and is desperate for success. He really thinks he can convey his feelings as he’s very positive, a lovely person. It would be nice if he were closer and had more contact with us. It would be easier for him to convey his feelings and easier for us to pick up on the signals he wants to send to his team.”

“This is a wall in my house where I keep a few player jerseys. There are shirts from lots of different players, many of whom I’ve coached, some of whom I’ve admired from afar. It shows I’ve been telling the truth because as you can see I have lots of Totti shirts – there they are. Now I’m worried that people are going to say ‘Look at those Totti shirts, he’s put them all on the bench!’ In actual fact I wanted to put a space aside just for him, because we’ve enjoyed every performance of his incredible career. I already had some of these jerseys but I wanted to get more because his career has been a long one and his time with Roma has been intense, wonderful. It’s changed over the years, as have the colours and the brands of the jerseys he’s worn. That’s why I wanted to preserve the various stages – I have all of them and I wanted to put this space aside just for him. But I’m sure the usual suspects will have something to say about this too!”

“I want this photo too – I don’t have it. It’s nice with the Roma crest behind, pushing you on, supporting you, helping you to see a future as beautiful as the colours of the crest itself. Those colours stand for a lot. They’re instantly recognisable, they’re strong and we need to be as strong as our colours.”

“Here we have two of Roma’s prodigal sons, two players from our youth academy that have proved their quality. Alberto has had a more international career while Daniele chose to stick with one jersey, a very tough commitment to make. You’re always in contact with your people and with the place you were born and that creates a lot more problems – if you choose to leave you have an easier life. Both he and Francesco chose a difficult path and they’ve both walked it in the most honourable, correct way possible. They don’t realise how much commitment it’s taken. De Rossi is an intelligent man as well as a great footballer. He’s given so much to Roma and can still give more. He can do anything on the football field. If you ask him to do something, he does it – that’s why I like him as a player.”

“These are the friends I see on a day-to-day basis. I wouldn’t change them for anyone because they’ve been very kind to me and have given me a great gift in allowing me to come back and be the coach of Roma again, which is a wonderful thing for me. I’m indebted to them and I have to repay all the faith they’ve placed in me.”