On this day: Mapou becomes a Roma legend in the derby

“My team-mates told me that I’d written my name into the Roma history books,” recalls former Roma defender Mapou Yanga-Mbiwa about the goal that he’ll always be remembered for.

The date was May 25 2015, exactly one year ago today, and Lazio and Roma were fighting not just for local pride but also for second place in Serie A and automatic qualification for the Champions League.

The pressure was on and the stakes were high.

With just five minutes to go, the scores were level at 1-1 and Lazio fans were getting ready to celebrate. Then, just when it looked like it wasn’t going to be the Giallorossi’s night, up rose Mapou to head in the most important goal of his career.

“It was fantastic to know that it meant so much but the most important thing was the win, which meant we finish second and qualified automatically for the Champions League.

“How did I feel after the goal? I wanted to cry. I think it’s the biggest goal of my career.

“I’m happy to have scored the goal – we were all delighted. I could tell that the goal was important for the city. It was an amazing feeling. I didn’t believe it at first, but then I saw everyone running towards me. It was fantastic.

“I’m delighted to have gone down in derby history.”

Mapou may have swapped Rome for Lyon since scoring that goal but how much do you know about Roma’s hero that night?

Here’s 10 facts about the man himself in his own words…

First team

“When I was a kid, I always supported Montpellier because after I moved to France, I grew up near there in a place called Port-de-Bouc in Provence. My friends and classmates had a hand in choosing my club.”

Boyhood hero

"As a child, I loved Zinedine Zidane. He was someone who could do whatever he wanted with a ball at his feet. I remember his performances during France 98, when I was nine and he led the national team to victory in the World Cup. Obviously I remember him even more clearly after that, especially when he played for Real Madrid, where he won more trophies and showed his incredible skills. Then, when I grew up and started to play at the back, I always admired Maldini and Nesta a lot, two incredible exponents of my position.”

Sports star

“When I was young I tried a bit of everything both during PE lessons at school and playing with my friends in my free time. I played basketball, volleyball, tennis and I even did a bit of cycling. That’s because I like sport and physical exercise in general. The one I liked the most was basketball, perhaps because of my height. These days I watch the odd game of NBA on TV every now and then.”

No.10

"I began my football career as a number 10 because, as I said, I really enjoyed trying to play like Zidane when I was a kid. Then I went up front but in the end, I started playing as a defender because I didn’t like conceding goals and that’s where I stayed. Basically I’ve played everywhere but in goal.”

Debut day

"I made my first team debut for Montpellier when I was 17 in 2007. It was a match in the Coupe de France against Uzès, a third division side not far from where I played my football. I started at left-back. As for the game itself, I made a few sloppy mistakes out of nervousness but did alright defensively and we went through comfortably to the next round.”

Greatest games

"There are two I’d say, one in France and one in Italy. In Italy it can only be the 2-1 win over Lazio on May 25, 2015. Scoring the winner in a derby to send the fans home happy was the biggest moment I’ve had in football thus far. In the days after the match, I realised how much that victory meant to people

“In France, it was a match in the Coupe de France in November 2010 against Lille, who were coached at that time by Rudi Garcia. It was the quarter-finals, we won 2-1 at home at the Stade de la Mosson and I put in a big performance, so much so everyone congratulated me after the game.

Sensational strikers

“I think the best striker I’ve faced was Luis Suarez, who I came up against in the Premier League, when I was at Newcastle. I’d say the Uruguayan because he’s crafty, technically brilliant and whenever he has the chance to exploit your mistakes he does so, often punishing you with a goal.

“Then I’d go with Sergio Aguero, who, like all South Americans, is a very clever striker. He’s got great feet and when he takes you on he often manages to go past you.

“I have to go with Bayern Munich’s Roberto Lewandowski in third place. He always does the right thing at the right time. He always picks the right option, whether he’s close to goal or not. He reads the game and knows whether to make a run to the near or far post or whether to come short.

“Further down the list and given my time in France, I’d go with Lisandro Lopez who I came up against on many occasions when he was at Lyon. He’s a complete striker.

“Finally, I’d put Gonzalo Higuain in there, as he always made life hard for us.”

Terrific team-mates

"It’s a bit of a given to say Totti, but Francecso is one of a kind, he’s world class. I’d go with Younès Belhanda. We played together for Montpellier, where we won Ligue 1. Belhanda is a brilliant player, who can operate anywhere in the final third, be it as an attacking midfielder, support striker and winger. He’s got great feet and when he’s on the ball he’s very difficult to dispossess.”

Great grounds

"Apart from the Olimpico, the best venue I’ve played at is Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium. I played there both for Newcastle and for Roma. It’s a ground I really like. The pitch is perfect to play football on, there’s an amazing atmosphere and you feel the crowd right on top of you when you’re out there.”

Inspiring influence

"René Girard, my coach at Montpellier. He’s the man who gave me my start in the professional game and I won the French league title with him in 2011-12. He taught me that football is not easy, it’s a profession you have to take seriously and in order to be successful you need to constantly raise your game tactically, technically and physically. He basically made me realise that you have to commit 100% to make it in this sport.”