Panucci's Madrid memories Monday 18 February, 2008 On the eve of Roma's Champions League showdown against Real Madrid, Christian Panucci has relived his successful spell with the Merengues.
The 34-year-old is a crucial figure for Roma and has played over 150 games for the Giallorossi, but he still has fond memories of the club he represented between 1997 and 1999.
"We started a winning cycle during that time," the Ligurian star explained. "They were amazing times.
"We won the League, the Champions League in 1997-98, the Intercontinental Cup and the Spanish Super Cup.
"They were two and a half fantastic years that gave me the great experience of fulfilling the club's dream of conquering Europe after a 32-year wait.
"I believe that I always showed professionalism and was a hard-working and earnest player in Madrid. "It was a great place to work due to its professional tranquillity and life there is really amazing."
There have been reports of a ferocious argument between Panucci and teammate Alberto Aquilani ahead of tomorrow's crunch match at the Stadio Olimpico, but both men are in the squad and are believed to have patched up their disagreement.