Roberto Mancini says he regrets never having had the chance to coach Francesco Totti ahead of the Roma captain's retirement.
The 40-year-old forward will play the final match of his career this afternoon when the Giallorossi face Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico.
And Mancini, who faced Totti as a player on numerous occasions while with Sampdoria and Lazio, says the 2006 World Cup-winner leaves behind a lasting legacy.
Roberto Mancini says he regrets never having had the chance to coach Francesco Totti ahead of the Roma captain's retirement.
The 40-year-old forward will play the final match of his career this afternoon when the Giallorossi face Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico.
And Mancini, who faced Totti as a player on numerous occasions while with Sampdoria and Lazio, says the 2006 World Cup-winner leaves behind a lasting legacy.
"He represents so much," Mancini began. "Francesco was a world champion in 2006. We are talking about an incredible achievement.
"We are talking about a magnificent player, a phenomenon who leaves a lasting legacy. Many boys are inspired by him.
"Francesco is a fantastic player. He has had great courage to continue, by his age I had already been in the dugout for a long time.
"I'll say it – I regret having never coached him. I would have enjoyed it a lot."
Mancini added that he has always admired his old adversary, even during the period when they were rivals on the pitch.
"We faced each other for some years, he is younger than me. I have always had a soft spot for Totti, we wore the same number on our backs.
"As soon as he started I saw myself in him, I always had a particular admiration for him. I can only congratulate a player who has given his whole life to one team."
Former Inter and Manchester City boss Mancini would not discuss the ending to Totti's career, which many believe to have been handled badly by Roma.
"I don't know how things have gone exactly between him and the club, so there's nothing I can add. It's just sad when a player of his class stops.
"Francesco has been one of the greatest champions of recent football history."