Cafu: The Scudetto with Roma means as much to me as all my other trophies

The former Brazil international, who represented the Giallorossi from 1997 to 2003, revealed in an interview with Il Romanista on Saturday that he still avidly follows his old club – and believes the current coach is on the right path towards success.

The 47-year-old is also confident that the current No. 1, Alisson, will soon establish himself as the best goalkeeper in the world.

“What a question, of course I follow Roma! I have a huge affection for the Giallorossi,” Cafu said. “Eusebio Di Francesco is doing a good job. He knows that this is how the game can go: that you can work very well and still not win the league.

“Winning the title is the result of a comprehensive plan, and at times even a plan isn’t enough without a good dose of luck too. Roma were unfortunate in the game against Inter at the start of the season, if they had won it perhaps their campaign would have been different.

"The game against Napoli was another decided by an unfortunate moment with Daniele De Rossi: that knocked the side off balance.”

Asked about his compatriot Alisson, Cafu added: “I’m not surprised. I know him well. He is a top player and, in my opinion, can still get even better because there are a few areas he can improve. Maybe he isn’t the best in the world just yet, but he will be shortly.”

Sunday sees the Giallorossi resume Serie A action with a huge home clash against AC Milan – another side Cafu knows well, having played for them from 2003 to 2008.

“It’ll be a tough game, because both sides are at key moments in their season,” he noted. “I don’t think there is a favourite; Milan are doing well at the moment, they are in form and are getting results. But Roma are stronger.

"In the Champions League it didn’t go well for them but this game can help them forget about the Shakhtar loss. The home factor could make the difference.”

Of the two clubs, both of whom he represented with great distinction during an illustrious career, the World Cup winner acknowledged that it is Roma who remain his favourite.

“I think Roma is more in more heart, and I’m not just saying that because this interview is with a Roma newspaper,” Cafu said. “The league title I won with Roma means as much to me as the many trophies I won with Milan, not just because of the difficulties we faced but also because of the emotion we felt winning for the Giallorossi.

“I feel close to all the fans. I adore Roma supporters, I love the city. Romans are special people and I always carry them in my heart. When I play again now, I do it with the Roma legends – I chose them rather another side.”