Zidane pays tribute to Totti

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane says “we have to enjoy what’s left” of Francesco Totti in a pre-match tribute to the Roma captain.

Zidane and Totti were Serie A rivals with Juventus and Roma between 1996 and 2001 and took their rivalry onto the international stage in both the Euro 2000 and 2006 World Cup finals between France and Italy, and the former admitted he “always thought” of the 39-year-old to be “a star”, despite it waning this season.

“The obligation now is to win [on Tuesday], then we’ll think about the League,” he said at a Press conference ahead of Madrid’s Champions League last-16 second leg against Roma.

“I’m not thinking whether the season’s been good or bad. My concept is day to day and that’s what gives me strength.

“[On his system against Roma], the idea is to always have a lot of zip in attack.

“All we have to do is win the game, thinking only about that.

“Many people think it’ll be an easy game, but it won’t l be. We have to play well and win well.

“A tie is never won in the first leg, I repeat. I’ve been a player, so I know we can be eliminated if we don’t play well, that's clear as water.

“This is our most important game because it’s our next. It’s true that you want to experience games like this as a Coach.

“I experienced it as a player and it’s difficult to explain what it feels like.

“[Francesco Totti] is experiencing a slightly difficult time, but I always thought he was a star.

“We have to enjoy what’s left of him on the pitch.”

Tags Francesco Totti Roma Zinedine Zidane
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