Torosidis: “My peak playing days were at Roma”

When Roma played their first-ever match at De Kuip, a 2-1 Europa League victory, Vasilis Torosidis took the lion’s share of the plaudits.

That was the main story from Feyenoord v Roma back on 26 February 2015, in the second leg of the Europa League round of 32. The first encounter in Rome finished 1-1, so everything was to play for over in Rotterdam. "De Kuip has a cauldron-like atmosphere," comments Vasilis ‘Toro’ Torosidis, looking back on the game. "It’s not an easy place to go to, but I’m sure Jose Mourinho’s boys will perform well just like we did."

The Greek full-back, who joined Roma from Olympiacos in the 2013 January transfer window, left his mark on that match despite not scoring himself. Toro provided Adem Ljajic with a perfect ball for Roma’s first goal and also set up Gervinho in the second half, right in front of the away supporters.

"Let's not forget that I provided another assist for the goal in the first leg at the Olimpico, which was also scored by Gervinho, in front of our fans in Rome," Vasilis is keen to point out.

The now 37-year-old Torosidis put in some quality performances for Roma in defence. He featured 77 times for the club, netting seven goals in the process. While he mainly featured as a right-back he was occasionally deployed on the left.

Torosidis, do you miss Roma and the club’s fans?

"I miss Roma and their wonderful fans dearly. They were the focal point of my three seasons there, which were the best of my career. What’s more, I shared the dressing room with true icons like Francesco Totti and Daniele De Rossi.

"I cried a lot when I left to move to Bologna. Even today looking back I feel so much love and nostalgia for that period of my life."

So you’d even rate your time at Roma ahead of Olimpiacos?

"Olympiacos are my life and I’ve always been a fan of the club. However it was at Roma I was able to play at the highest level: in Serie A, Champions League and the Europa League."

One of these European nights was in Rotterdam in 2015.

"Indeed. That away game against Feyenoord was a really tough one because of the atmosphere. However we dug deep and got a win.

"You need personality and quality if you’re to come away victorious from such places. Our Roma side was more than up to the task in this regard."

You contributed a lot to that win, providing two different kinds of assists from the right flank.

"Indeed, one of my crosses went high to the far post whereas the other was a low driven ball towards the centre of the penalty area, confusing the Feyenoord defence.

"Ljajic and Gervinho got the goals which were vital in us reaching the round of 16. When I played on the right flank, which was my natural position, certain things came easier for me."

What kind of game are you anticipating this time around?

"As always it’ll be a real challenge as the atmosphere at De Kuip is electric. I think Roma can make their mark and they beat Feyenoord in the final of the Conference League, winning a trophy in the process. What’s more, they’ve got Mourinho coaching them."

Would you have enjoyed playing under Mourinho?

"Who wouldn’t? Jose is a top coach. He’s won trophies wherever he’s gone, including at Roma where it wasn’t a given.

"This current Roma team is moulded in his image and are a tight unit. They’re solid at the back, a bit like the Rudi Garcia side I played in, especially in my first two seasons. The Olimpico always give players an added boost, and that will be the case in the second leg against Feyenoord when the team will be really needing the twelfth man."

"When I left Rome, I cried"

- Vasilis Torosidis