On Wednesday former Roma striker Ruggiero Rizzitelli celebrated his 53rd birthday. Here, we take a look at the ongoing love affair between the Italian and the Giallorossi...

The Italian played 211 games for the club between 1988 and 1994, scoring 55 goals in total. Although he played for many other clubs in his career, Rizzitelli has never hidden his abiding love for the club - something Italian fan are used to seeing in his ongoing contributions for Roma TV and other television appearances.

Here, Rizzitelli explains in his own words how such a depth of feeling for Roma was born.

1. THE FIRST ROMA

“When I first arrived at Roma [in 1988], all these great players immediately made me feel welcome and at home. I felt like I was one of them."

2. THE PRESIDENT

“Dino Viola was a gentleman, more than just a president. On the day I was unveiled I was a bit scared, but he took me by the arm and showed me the way. I followed him. Dino Viola made this club a family."

3. THE FIRST GOAL

“I still remember the incredible feeling of scoring my first goal for the club [against Lecce in October 1988]. I celebrated under the Curva Sud. Under my Curva. For the first time, I heard them signing a song for me. It was something I'd dreamed of."

4. THE FLYING GERMAN

“Rudi Voeller helped me so much. I carried the water for him - he deserved it. One game I remember I was out on my feet, I was so tired. Rudi came up to me and told me not to worry - because today he would do the running for me."

5. A GOAL IN THE DERBY, IN 1991

"I think about all the Roma fans, who were going to work the day after this game. In this goal there was all that anger and passion the fans have at Lazio, all channeled towards scoring against them under the Sud. I always felt like I was a fan out there on the pitch for them."

6. ROMA AND BRONDBY, IN THE UEFA CUP

"I saw the team were spent, they were playing without really hunger. So I shouted at my teammates, I rallied them. Roma changed their attitude and in the end we found a way to win."

7. THE CURVA SUD

"The Sud is fundamental for Roma, for the atmosphere. For the team. For everyone. The Curva gives everyone so much energy and courage. It lifts you up in the toughest moments."

8. DEFEAT IN THE UEFA CUP FINAL

"Seeing those tears again still hurts me, even now. But I think, nonetheless, that the fans admired and appreciated that team - we weren't necessarily the very best players, but no-one could ever say we didn't play with everything we had."

9. TOTTI

"I had the honour of being the one to make way when Totti made his debut for Roma [against Brescia in March 1993]. I remember when the coach Boskov called for me to come off, so that little boy, who in training had already showed so much talent, could take his first steps."

10. HIS LOVE FOR ROMA

"I live in Rome. I taught my son, Gianluca, about Romanità. That passion is right there on the surface for me. If you ask me to think about the Roma fans, I can't help but bow to them and say thank you."