"Madrid-Man City is worthy of being the Champions League final"

Former Italian footballer Francesco Totti, who admitted that Real Madrid are his second team after Roma, wished them all the best in the Champions League as they take on Manchester City in a tie he described as a "final in the semi-final".

Totti came close to playing for Real Madrid in his career, but the Roma icon did not close the deal and only played at the Santiago Bernabeu as an away player. The 'Merengues' fans even recognised his greatness with a standing ovation.

"It was a feeling that I will carry with me for the rest of my life," recalled Totti on a visit to Madrid's training complex. "It's a special emotion to be cheered by a stadium like the Bernabeu. It was exciting. It's a stadium that gives you passion and makes you want to play. To come here as an opponent was stimulating," he added to the club's media.

For the first time, Totti watched a Real Madrid match, against Celta, "from the stands" and admitted that it was "a beautiful feeling". "I had always been there as a rival on the pitch. Real Madrid is a very important club". He also went to 'Los Blancos' training session on Sunday.

Focusing on the Champions League and the big tie coming up in May between Real Madrid and Manchester City, the Italian highlighted the well-balanced match between the two teams. "It's worthy of being the Champions League final. They are two great teams and two great clubs. Anything can happen. I'm rooting for Real Madrid and I hope they go through to the final".