Perotti's Picks: Remembering Roma's Greatest
Hey everyone, Diego Perotti here. For those who don't know me, I spent a few pretty awesome years playing for AS Roma. And let me tell you, picking the best Roma player of all time? That's like choosing your favorite child – impossible! But I'm gonna give it a shot, and share some of my memories along the way. It's gonna be a wild ride, trust me.
This isn't just some random list; this is based on my personal experiences, what I saw on the pitch, and the impact these guys had on the team and the tifosi. We're talking legends, folks, and choosing just one is a tough gig, even for a seasoned pro like myself.
The Untouchable: Francesco Totti
Look, let's get the elephant in the room out of the way. Francesco Totti. The Capitano. The King of Rome. The guy who pretty much defined Roma for a generation. Playing alongside him was...surreal. Seriously. He was the whole package: unbelievable skill, vision that was just next level, and a passion that was infectious. You could feel the electricity in the stadium whenever he touched the ball. It was more than just football, it was a connection, a feeling of pure Roman pride.
He's the benchmark, isn't he? Anyone arguing against Totti as one of the greatest to ever grace the Roma shirt is just… wrong. Full stop. I even remember one game, we were down 1-0, late in the game, and boom, Totti with a free kick that went right into the top corner. The place went absolutely ballistic.Pure magic. I still get chills thinking about it.
Beyond Totti: Other standouts
But let’s not forget other magnificent players who also made their mark on the club. The sheer talent I had the chance to witness during my time in the Giallorosso shirt was incredible. I’m talking players like Daniele De Rossi. De Rossi was an absolute warrior. His commitment to the club was unparalleled, his tackling ferocious, and he was the perfect midfield anchor. A true leader. He was different to Totti, a different type of skill, different role, a different vibe completely. He was Totti's right hand man, often times his voice of reason, you know?
Then there's players like Aldair, who was a defensive rock, and Cafu who was just insane on the right flank. The man was lightning fast and his crosses were deadly. I wish I’d got to play with those guys but I learned a lot by watching them play.
My time at Roma was amazing, but some things weren't easy. I had my share of injuries and setbacks. Getting back on the field after a major injury, there's nothing like it. It was almost like playing for my life.
My Personal Best: A Team Effort
You see, it's hard to pick just one “best” player. Roma's success always felt like a team effort – a family, even. It’s the collective spirit, the unwavering support of the fans, and the special bond among the players that made it so special. That’s what I'll always remember. That’s why choosing a single "best" player almost feels like a disservice to the amazing talent and teamwork I witnessed. It's all of them, combined together in that beautiful red and yellow shirt, that made AS Roma so incredible.
So, while Totti will always be up there—maybe the greatest—remembering the others who dedicated their hearts and souls to the club is equally important. That's the Roma way. Forza Roma!