Manolas remembers 2016 Inter win

We’re talking about Kostas Manolas, and that goal came in Roma’s 3-0 win over Barcelona in the 2017/18 Champions League quarter-finals on 10 April 2018. "It was perhaps one of the most landmark matches in Roma's history," according to our former defender. "Even if Roma go on to win the Champions League one day that night will never be forgotten."

We spoke to Kostas in Greece, before he took part in a training session with his team Pannaxiakos, the club where it all started for him. "I'm now a player-coach, but it's a different level. It's just for fun and to stay in shape. This is how I like my football nowadays because it’s not a slog. I've made my investments over the years so I’m in a good position."

Are you surprised that we’re calling you to reminisce over a match other than Roma v Barcelona?

"It makes me happy. I played over 200 games for Roma, joining in 2014 and leaving after five years in 2019. We went through a lot together. So, what are we going to chat about?"

Roma 2-1 Inter on 2 October 2016, the Giallorossi's last home win against the Nerazzurri.

"Nine years have gone by - it's time to change this stat!"

Do you have any memories of that day?

"I'm not someone who can remember everything crystal clear, but we won what was a difficult match. We were coming off the back of a defeat in Turin and needed to respond. We took the lead in the first half, [Ever] Banega then equalised, but we got the winner with only ten minutes to go. We were better than that Inter, but they were still a top-level team. We're talking about the 2016/17 season when we finished second, just four points behind Juventus. After that win, we grew in belief. In our next game we beat Napoli away from home before going on to record two further victories against Palermo and Sassuolo."

Lega Serie A didn’t award you the winning goal in that match, instead putting it down as a Mauro Icardi own goal. Yet you were the one to get your head on the end of the cross.

"That's fair enough. I got on the end of [Alessandro] Florenzi's free kick, the ball then hit [Ivan] Perisic and then ended up hitting Icardi on the head as well, which left [Samir] Handanovic totally flummoxed. The important thing was to score and win. We celebrated so much - all of my team-mates jumped on top of me. We were great, both the starting eleven and those on the bench."

Are references made to Luciano Spalletti very much deliberate?

"Indeed. I think he was the best coach I had at Roma, and the club had many good ones during my time here. He took care of every detail, and under him we set Roma's record for points (87, ed.) and also scored many goals."

After that victory against Inter and that winning run as mentioned above, do you remember when Roma finally fell to defeat?

"No - help me out."

In Bergamo, against Gian Piero Gasperini's Atalanta.

"And nine years further down the line Gasperini is coaching Roma."

What do you think of our new coach?

"He's an excellent coach, he's very experienced and knows how to get the best out of teams. Roma deserve to return to the Champions League."

Is Roma the most important club in your career?

"Roma were huge for me. I arrived at a young age, I established myself here and I always gave my all in every match. I'd love to come back one of these days to take in a match."

Will we see you at the Olimpico at some point?

"Yes, I want to come with my family to see Roma live at the stadium and maybe even go back to Trigoria to see how much it’s changed. See you soon."

See you soon, Kostas.

"Forza Roma, and let's hope for the best on Saturday!"