When thinking about AC Milan’s great European nights in the 2000s, it is hard not to think of Cafu. The full-back has spoken about the upcoming second leg against Roma tonight, another club close to his heart.
Cafu played for six seasons at Roma and five at Milan, winning 27 titles including two World Cups with Brazil (which could have even been three) and also claiming the appearance record for his country (142 caps).
He is one of the strongest right-backs to ever play the game, but Cafu will have his heart split in half tonight when Milan take on Roma at the Stadio Olimpico. However, he will certainly have his eyes fixed on the screen tonight.
Cafu did an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport that has been published on the day of the game, one which the Rossoneri must win after their 1-0 first leg loss in order to stand a chance of reaching the final four of the competition.
What kind of a game are you expecting this evening?
“There is never a lack of entertainment at the Olimpico, thanks to a crowd that is unique in the world. Ask any footballer who has played there about the sensations you get when the Roma anthem is sung. It will be a very beautiful match.”
What impression did you get from the first leg?
“At San Siro De Rossi was tactically great, with El Shaarawy’s move to the right. An intelligent choice, which however should not be surprising, given what Daniele was as a footballer and now as a coach. And then, I add: he is a great man. Just think about what happened in Udine with Ndicka.”
Did you think he would be so good at coaching right away?
“I remember De Rossi as a young boy: very polite, he spoke little and listened a lot. He certainly had an excellent family, which gave him the right balance. Otherwise it’s not easy for a champion of his level, a Roman and a Romanista in a city like Rome. The experience he is having will be fundamental for the future. In my opinion he has all the qualities to play an even more important role, becoming for Roma what Ferguson was for Manchester United.”
Would you renew his contract?
“It’s not up to me to say or decide. Roma are a great club and Rome is a unique, indescribable city. But they have to establish… do we understand each other?”
Considering that they exited the Champions League, if Milan were to go out tonight could we also talk about failure?
“Absolutely not! In the end only one team wins, in the cup or in the league, where Pioli has already won the Scudetto. The teams that reach the end of cup competitions are all strong and perhaps they are eliminated for different reasons, but this does not mean having failed. Milan are continuously participating in European competitions, it certainly cannot be criticised for an exit in the quarter-finals.”
Who is stronger, Dybala or Leao?
“They are two real phenomena, two who speak informally on the ball like few others in the world and who amaze and entertain audiences. It’s really difficult to choose.”
What is your most beautiful memory with Roma and with Milan?
“I have many. I won some trophies at Milan. The Milan fans are passionate, but I was struck by their attitude, respectful of the private sphere, which I haven’t always found. But I’m not referring to Roma, that’s where I started my cycle in Italy and won a gigantic Scudetto.”
You had Sensi and Berlusconi as presidents, today there are two Americans in Friedkin and Cardinale…
“Sensi and Berlusconi were two giants who gave a lot to football, not only in economic terms. Now, however, everything is different: investment funds, foreign consortiums, Americans, Chinese. It is the meaning of globalisation.”
Is there a player today that reminds you of yourself?
“The best for me are Hakimi from PSG, Walker from City and Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool.”
Who are the best players you have seen?
“Technically Ronaldinho was the strongest of all. As a child he trained by dribbling past his dog, like Denilson. Try it and you will understand… Ronaldo the phenomenon, on the other hand, had supersonic speed, in addition to his technique: if the ball reached him the opponent knew he was to be a goner. Totti? I don’t know how he did it, a total football intelligence and very fast synapses like mine…”
You are one of the most successful footballers in history. What is the trophy you are most fond of?
“Lifting the World Cup as captain has no equal. It happened to me in 2002. Among other things, the captain was supposed to be Emerson, but he injured his shoulder while playing goalkeeper in training.”
