Miralem Pjanic praised “legend” Francesco Totti, Coach Rudi Garcia and asked “why would I want to leave Roma?”

The midfielder gave a lengthy interview to ultimouomo.com about his childhood and how his father discovered he had “a special rapport with the ball” by the way he kicked it against a garage door.

“As a kid my favourite player was Zizou Zidane. As an opponent I really like Pirlo, as it’s always difficult to play against him. He makes the difference and is so elegant.

Miralem Pjanic praised “legend” Francesco Totti, Coach Rudi Garcia and asked “why would I want to leave Roma?”

The midfielder gave a lengthy interview to ultimouomo.com about his childhood and how his father discovered he had “a special rapport with the ball” by the way he kicked it against a garage door.

“As a kid my favourite player was Zizou Zidane. As an opponent I really like Pirlo, as it’s always difficult to play against him. He makes the difference and is so elegant.

“Maybe in general nowadays the player I like the most is Xavi, just for his style. I love intelligent players who reflect and consider when they are playing. You can tell whether a player knows how to reflect on his options.”

Pjanic arrived at Roma in 2011 and assured with ‘Checco’ Totti there was no repeat of his Lyon clash with Yoann Gourcuff.

“He plays in a different role and when I decided to come to Roma, I kept that in mind. With Checco we get along well on the field and understand each others’ movements.

“This is our fourth season together, so I know how he plays and he knows how I play. When I see him go a little deeper, I push forward. I know how he wants the ball.

“Everyone dreams of being Totti’s heir, but how can I be that? Totti is Totti, he is something more than just football. He made history and is a legend. It’s wonderful that he always wore the same club jersey.”

Pjanic was asked what would tempt him into leaving the Stadio Olimpico after interest from PSG, Real Madrid, Manchester United and Chelsea.

“Football has changed and at times the clubs need money, it’s not always the player who wants to leave. I had the opportunity to leave, but I feel so good here that I ask myself why should I leave Roma? Why should I leave when I love this team, I love this city and I want to win here?”

However, there was a time when Pjanic was dropped to the bench along with Daniele De Rossi and looked as if he would leave Roma, but Zdenek Zeman was fired and his career was reborn.

“In my view Zeman is a good Coach. Perhaps he wanted a certain type of player that he didn’t have here,” noted the Bosnia international.

“He often asked the midfielders to kick the ball forward and make vertical passes, always. I like to play the way I see the game. That’s what Garcia asks me to do now, to control the game and choose which passes to make. The difference is that I feel freer now.

“That’s not to say we don’t have very clear ideas, as we are strong tactically and balanced, everyone knows what they are supposed to do and if one isn’t in his place then the others cover him. We work for each other, give a hand to those who are struggling. That is the spirit the Coach brought with him.

“I explained to the Coach what the situation was and the environment in Rome. He’s smart and immediately understood, working on the psychological issues.

“Some people here love it when things go wrong, so they accentuate the negative aspects to hurt the club and players. The fans also had the right to be angry when we finished fifth or sixth for two years in a row. Those are not seasons for Roma, but now we are where we should be and want to bring joy to our fans.”

Pjanic is only 24 and hasn’t yet considered whether he’d like to become a Coach after he retires.

“I haven’t thought about it yet. I think I would, because I love football so much that it would be tough to leave it.”

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