Roma legend Francesco Totti has hailed Liverpool as a ‘model to follow’ ahead of Tuesday’s highly-anticipated Champions League semi-final.
The two historic teams go head-to-head at Anfield in a repeat of the 1984 final where Liverpool came out on top.
Totti also suffered defeat at Anfield during his playing days in 2001 and admits he might have preferred his side to have been drawn against a different opponent.
Liverpool host Roma in the semi-finals of the Champions League on Tuesday evening
Roma legend Francesco Totti has hailed the Reds as a ‘model to follow’ ahead of the game
‘When I hear the name Liverpool, I think respect, a big club, a big team, big fans, and a model to follow,’ he told Liverpoolfc.com.
‘Despite the negative result, I have nice memories of that game at Anfield. The atmosphere, the feeling, the passion of the fans – it was very impressive.
‘Obviously, if I think back to that European Cup final in 1984, it’s a bad memory, so we would have probably have avoided such a draw.
‘But we needed to pick one of the best three teams in Europe that were left, and now we are playing Liverpool.’
The 2006 World Cup winner has been watching Liverpool closely this season after Mohamed Salah joined the club from his former team.
Totti in action against Liverpool during a Champions League clash back in 2002
‘This season I’ve seen a number of games of Liverpool, especially because Mo Salah is now playing there, I’ve been following it consistently,’ Totti continued.
‘Especially after the draw, over the past few days I’ve been watching their Champions League games and I really think it’s going to be a tough game for both teams.
‘To some extent, it surprises me that (Salah) has been doing so well in his first season at Liverpool.
‘But, on the other hand, considering the quality of the squad, the coach they have – Klopp, to me, is one of the best coaches in the world – it didn’t surprise me.
‘They put him in the condition to express himself at his best.’
Roma players look on during the session at Trigoria training ground on Monday morning