TOTTI SPOTTING HIS RETURN
Author: Sportinglife.com, 12 Dec 07
Roma captain Francesco Totti is poised to play in the Champions League for the first time since October 23 after recovering from a foot injury.
Totti is expected to lead his team out to face Manchester United on Wednesday night at the Stadio Olimpico.
"It has been a difficult wait," said Totti, who sustained the injury against Sporting Lisbon on October 23 and only returned to play on Sunday.
"No player wants to be sidelined with injury. I always want to play, not only for myself but for the fans and for my team-mates.
"It has taken me a while to recover from my foot injury but now I must look ahead."
The hosts will be looking to extend their positive run which has seen them undefeated in all competitions since October 2 when they lost 1-0 at Old Trafford.
Roma are second in Serie A and have clinched their place alongside Sir Alex Ferguson's side for the next round of Europe's elite club competition.
The Italians will be desperate to avenge their 7-1 humiliation suffered last season at the hands of the Red Devils in Old Trafford.
"We are a competitive side and we can fight against the strongest teams in Europe," said Totti.
"The team has done well in my absence and I am very proud of the work done by my team-mates."
While Manchester United are considered among the favourites for the Champions League trophy, Totti believes Roma may have to wait until next season to make their mark.
"Considering that in 2009 the final will be played in Rome, it is destiny that we should play in that final and beat Liverpool on penalties in order to avenge the past," said Totti.
Roma lost the European Cup final to Liverpool on penalties in Rome in 1984.
Roma captain Francesco Totti is poised to play in the Champions League for the first time since October 23 after recovering from a foot injury.
Totti is expected to lead his team out to face Manchester United on Wednesday night at the Stadio Olimpico.
"It has been a difficult wait," said Totti, who sustained the injury against Sporting Lisbon on October 23 and only returned to play on Sunday.
"No player wants to be sidelined with injury. I always want to play, not only for myself but for the fans and for my team-mates.
"It has taken me a while to recover from my foot injury but now I must look ahead."
The hosts will be looking to extend their positive run which has seen them undefeated in all competitions since October 2 when they lost 1-0 at Old Trafford.
Roma are second in Serie A and have clinched their place alongside Sir Alex Ferguson's side for the next round of Europe's elite club competition.
The Italians will be desperate to avenge their 7-1 humiliation suffered last season at the hands of the Red Devils in Old Trafford.
"We are a competitive side and we can fight against the strongest teams in Europe," said Totti.
"The team has done well in my absence and I am very proud of the work done by my team-mates."
While Manchester United are considered among the favourites for the Champions League trophy, Totti believes Roma may have to wait until next season to make their mark.
"Considering that in 2009 the final will be played in Rome, it is destiny that we should play in that final and beat Liverpool on penalties in order to avenge the past," said Totti.
Roma lost the European Cup final to Liverpool on penalties in Rome in 1984.
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