Seydou Keita has played big derbies, including the Clasico, but admits Roma v Lazio “is tense for the whole week leading up to it.”
The Derby della Capitale kicks off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“I’ve played many derbies in my career, but here it’s tense for the whole week leading up to it. The situation is really complicated,” the former Barcelona star told Roma TV.
Seydou Keita has played big derbies, including the Clasico, but admits Roma v Lazio “is tense for the whole week leading up to it.”
The Derby della Capitale kicks off at 14.00 UK time (13.00 GMT), click here for a match preview.
“I’ve played many derbies in my career, but here it’s tense for the whole week leading up to it. The situation is really complicated,” the former Barcelona star told Roma TV.
“The supremacy in the city is at stake. It’s a matter of pride and all the players in this squad are under pressure in the week leading up to the derby, because we want to win at all costs.
“We foreigners don’t have the same motivation as a Roman, born and bred here, but you can see it in the way they approach the game. It’s extraordinary.
“After a derby win you let off steam, you feel proud and everyone is proud of you. I am a professional, but I’m also observant and I could tell the derby here was worth more than three points.
“The joy of victory is immense, you can see everyone grinning with all their teeth on show.”
Keita also realised that for locals like Francesco Totti, Daniele De Rossi and Alessandro Florenzi, the motivation of the derby can be counter-productive.
“Thanks to my experience, I realised that when you want something too much, you end up playing badly. You have to be professional, prepare every match the same way and when the moment comes you won’t hold back.”
Totti has struggled for playing time recently, but naturally wants to make his mark in the derby.
“I have so much respect for Checcho,” added 36-year-old Keita, using the captain’s nickname.
“I am younger than him and I honestly ask myself how he can still be playing and training so well at the age of 39. You must be such a great professional to stay in that shape.
“He is humble and doesn’t get big-headed. Everything he has done in life speaks for him. I adore his humility and he’s a very calm person too.
“It’s not easy to play at that level for 20 years and truly marvellous. People will never forget him, he brings respect and love out of people.”