In view of the match between Milan and Roma, valid for the first leg of the Europa League quarter-finals, Il Messaggero interviewed Cafu, former Roma and Milan full-back. Here are his words:
Tell the truth, do you feel more Romanista than Milanista?
"Don't get me into trouble, please (laughs). No, no, I felt great both in Rome and Milan."
Cafu, I didn't ask you if you love your mom or dad more, just a little effort...
"Well, I spent 6 years in Rome and it was an amazing period. With that team, we'll forever remain in history. When I went to Milan, initially it seemed easier to win. Then we managed it but it wasn't easy. Of course, it represented my home right after leaving Brazil: I played in the Champions League for the first time, it can't not have a special place in my heart."
So why did you decide to leave at a certain point?
"Because unfortunately things come to an end. Roma was clear with me, explaining that they wanted to change and focus on younger players. I accepted the choice and decided to have a different experience. That's why I signed with Yokohama, a Japanese team. Then one day Leonardo called me and handed me over to Braida who told me that Ancelotti wanted me at Milan for two seasons. My first reaction was: 'Are you sure? I'm almost 33, you know?' And they said, 'Yes, we offer you a two-year contract.' With these conditions, it was impossible to refuse. In the end, I did well, the two years became five and I won a league title, a Club World Cup, the Supercoppa, I played in two Champions League finals, winning one. It could have been worse."
On the opponents faced:
"The strongest of all I've played against is definitely Ronaldinho Gaucho. What I saw him do with the ball is inexplicable. Then comes Ronaldo the Phenomenon. If he hadn't been injured, he would have broken every record. The third? I'm really struggling because I've played with some truly strong people. From Shevchenko to Rivaldo, passing through Seedorf, Pirlo, Totti, Djalminha, there are so many. For a while, I even thought Pato could become the strongest striker in the world. If I really have to say a name, I choose Totti. Yes, Francesco deserves it."
On the trophies won, Cafu said:
"In my career, I've won something... Two World Cups, two Copa Americas, one Confederations Cup, two Serie A titles in Italy, one in Brazil, one Champions League, two Italian Supercups, two Libertadores, two South American Recopas, one South American Supercup, two Intercontinental Cups plus the Club World Cup, one Cup Winners' Cup, one UEFA Super Cup... who knows if I'm forgetting something. Yet the record I cherish the most isn't even being the record holder for appearances in the Seleção but being the only player in history to have played three consecutive World Cup finals."
On today's right backs...
"I like Walker from Manchester City, Hakimi from PSG, and Alexander Arnold from Liverpool."
