UEFA Champions League final ambassador Bruno Conti popped into the uefa.com chatroom during the ceremonies in Monaco marking the start of UEFA new club season. Born in nearby Nettuno, the 53-year-old former midfielder spent most of his playing career at AS Roma, barring a couple of seasons on loan at Genoa CFC, and has remained at the club to share his experience as a coach. A FIFA World Cup winner in 1982, he was happy to answer users’ questions.
seb_gva: Who do you expect to see playing this season’s Champions League final in Rome?
Bruno Conti: Teams like Manchester United [FC], [FC] Barcelona and Chelsea [FC], those with the biggest and most experienced squads, are most likely to be in Rome next May. Of the Italian teams, [FC] Internazionale [Milano] have the potential and skill to get there.
ziomaxi: What are your memories of the 1982 World Cup victory?
Conti: It is obviously unforgettable. For a player it is a great step to move from club level to the national team and then play in the World Cup – and then to go on and win it is the icing on the cake. Especially when you consider the players that other teams had – we beat great teams like Argentina, Germany and Brazil to win the ultimate prize. But the joy of the victory is more important than who you played against and who you can be compared to.
Mittens77: What makes Rome a great footballing city? What are your favourite memories of Rome derbies?
Conti: When you talk about the climate of the city, there are hardcore supporters everywhere. They make you aware of this at Stadio Olimpico – the fans give you such great motivation. This, I believe, makes it different to other derbies in other cities. In terms of specific memories, the one in 1977 where I scored the only goal, really made me aware of how important these matches are.
SidCowans: As a man well known for pace and dribbling ability during your playing days, what are your thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo?
Conti: When you look at players with these characteristics, like [Lionel] Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho, they are the players you want to see. But they are also productive with their talents and that was my credo when I was a player. This is what I believed in and this is what I enjoy seeing from these sort of players most.
BigCyrille: Bruno, who’s the hardest opponent you ever faced?
Conti: Claudio Gentile. Apart from being a tough defender, he was a clever player could provoke you. I have great memories when of him when I played against Juventus, but I had benefited from playing alongside him with Italy and Gentile gave our opponents, such as Diego Maradona, so many problems.
tekdujstyw: Who do you think is the greatest player to ever play for Roma and why?
Conti: For me, Francesco Totti. In terms of numbers of matches and goals scored, he has beaten all the club records – and he has won a World Cup. He has a great charisma and aura which he has been able to pass along to all of his teammates.
MITICI: Is it true you were a potential baseball star before turning to football?
Conti: There is some truth in the baseball story. Nettuno, my home town, has the largest baseball team in Italy. In summer, I played baseball and Santa Monica came and offered me a scholarship, but my father preferred me to stay at home and one year later Roma came along with a football contract.
SPORT LEAGUE 