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Francesco Totti has named Brazilian legend Ronaldo as the one footballer he regrets not playing alongside during his career.

The 40-year-old, who signed for Roma in 1992 and remained in the Italian capital ever since, also revealed he would have loved to have won the Champions League with the club.

Despite his declining years, Totti has made 20 appearances in all competitions for Roma this season and has found the back of the net three times.

In his prime he regularly hit double figures for the season, and in the process became the figurehead for a dying breed of loyal footballer.

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(Image: Getty Images Europe) (Image: Paolo Bruno/Getty)

It seems for the most part his head was never swayed by the prospective of signing for a team more likely to achieve European success.

But according to the man himself, one side very nearly secured his signature.

Speaking to L'Intervista, the legendary Italy striker said: "Many years ago I was really close to Real Madrid, I was considering leaving Roma to go to Real Madrid.

"I was really close. I would never sign for another Italian side out of respect for the people [of Rome]."

(Image: Reuters) (Image: Reuters)

But it wasn't just the prospect of playing for one of the biggest clubs in the world that attracted Totti to a potential move to Spain.

The idea of lining up alongside one of football's greatest ever forwards also appealed to the Italian.

"My regrets are not playing with Ronaldo, the Brazilian one, and not winning the Champions League with Roma."