'I was smoking, playing video games when suddenly Real Madrid called... I hung up'

Former Roma midfielder, Gaetano D'Agostino suffered a string of injuries and misfortunes which thwarted a seemingly brilliant career, which almost saw him join the Spanish giants.

Having begun to shine for Roma, his best season came at Udinese; D'Agostino is now manager of Anzio, a team from the Italian Serie D. He retired at the age of 34, when playing for Lupa Roma.

'Sphera Sports' recently recovered an interview in which the legendary midfielder reminisced about how close he came to Real Madrid. 'I had a cigarette in my mouth and the Play Station controller in my hands. I saw a strange number calling and I answered. He told me who he was and his proposition. Real Madrid. I thought it was a joke and hung up the phone', he explained about Real Madrid intermediary Bronzetti's call.

'He asked me if I was married. I told him I was. He said that was a good thing, that Madrid was a city of temptations. Again I thought it was a joke', he added.

In the end, Udinese demanded 20 million euros, which prompted the Spanish club to sign Xabi Alonso. D'Agostio's career gradually dissipated up until his retirement.