Haessler: I'll never forget the goal I scored against Juve

Former Roma flyer Thomas Haessler, who also spent a season at Juventus, talks to us about his combined history with both clubs...

If it was down to Gianfranco Giubilo, one of the historical pillars of football journalism in the Italian capital, Thomas Haessler would be in Roma's Hall of Fame by now. For Giubilo, Haessler was "one of the greatest wide players this club has ever had."

That was what he told his fellow judges, in fact, when the first group was gathered to select the initial members of the Hall of Fame. In the end his wish was left unfulfilled, although perhaps that was always likely when you consider some of the other world-class players that have roamed the flanks in Giallorossi.

Short of stature but long on hunger, driver and technique, Haessler was the unusual winger who seemed to see the game clearer in his head, and cound outfox players with twice the physical attributes he appeared to possess.

He could beat a man, despite lacking electric pace, and knew how to swing in a cross too. For many fans, his technique over free-kicks continues to be easily summoned in the mind's eye.

In total he managed 14 goals in 118 games for the club - we spoke to Haessler about his memories of that period.

You joined Roma in 1991, after a year at Juventus. With hindsight would you have preferred to join Roma a year earlier?

“I’d do everything exactly the same way again. I spent three wonderful years in a fantastic city, Rome, at a great club with amazing fans.”

What did your time at Roma mean to you?

“It was a wonderful time for me and my family. Serie A was the best league in Europe at the time. I have such amazing memories of my time there. The Italian mentality, culture, hospitality, cuisine… everything was amazing.”

What was the best moment you experienced at the club, and the most difficult?

“I can’t really remember any difficult times but the best moment was my goal against Juve! Obviously I have more memories of my time at Roma than at Juve because I spent three seasons at Roma.

"Our wins, my assists and goals, the targets we achieved together – those are the things that have always made me happy.”

What is it like to face Juventus as a former player of the Bianconeri?

“It’s always a bit special when you come up against your former side. So much was written and said about it in the build-up to the match but as soon as the ref blew the whistle, I was focused on nothing but the game.”

You scored goals for Roma both against Juventus and against Lazio in the derby. What memories stand out for you from both of those moments?

“Scoring in the derby is very special too and I managed to do that. It was a great feeling and it meant so much to our fans. They were and still are exceptional.”

Ottavio Bianchi, Vujadin Boskov and Carlo Mazzone were your coaches at Roma, across three different seasons. What different things did you learn from the three of them?

“I learnt something from all of them: tactics, motivation, man management. Even now when I coach, I think back to some of the things I picked up from them. I was lucky to have the chance to work with so many good coaches.”

What was your relationship like with the club captain during that period, Giuseppe Giannini?

“You know what? I got on really well with all my teammates. I struck up a good understanding with everyone.”

You were teammates with Sinisa Mihajlovic during the 1992-93 season. You must have seen how he’s fought leukaemia recently, with such spirit and without hiding it from the public…

“Yeah, it’s a really tough illness, a really tough situation. My brother died of leukaemia when he was 17. I was 13 at the time. It was terrible blow for my family. Sinisa deserves tremendous respect. He was and is a fighter. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for him and hope everything turns out for the best.”

Of the current generation of players, are there any that remind you of your own technique when it comes to free-kicks?

“Someone as good as me at taking free kicks... well, that’s not easy to find! But I guess some who have a good technique are David Alaba, Robert Lewandowski, Neymar and [Lionel] Messi.”

These days do you still follow Roma and Italian football?

“Of course I do! I watch a lot of Serie A – especially Roma and Juventus. I’ll be watching this Sunday too!"

The Italian mentality, culture, hospitality, cuisine… everything was amazing.”

- Thomas Hassler

Sunday's game at the Stadio Olimpico gets underway at 20:45 local time.