FIFAworldcup.com: Francesco, how is your recovery progressing and what are the next steps for you on the road to the FIFA World Cup?
Francesco Totti: I feel good and the injury to my ankle has healed. Of course I’m not match fit, but there are still two weeks to go before the World Cup starts and I hope to make up for lost time in this period. The coach has been very supportive and patient, and I for my part have worked as hard as possible.

What are your memories of the FIFA World Cup before you became a professional footballer?
The World Cup is a dream for every child. When I was growing up and dreaming of being a footballer, the thought of playing in the World Cup filled me with joy. Now that I can actually do it, the feeling is a little strange. The only thing I can remember from 1982 is the partying in the streets. My memories of the 1986 and 1990 tournaments mainly involve great players such as Diego Maradona and Roberto Baggio, who I admired very much.
The two things that stick in my mind from 1994 are the penalty shoot-out in the Final and Roberto Baggio’s wonderful goal against Nigeria. The most recent tournaments were not the luckiest for us and I prefer to forget them. However I’m sure that we have a great chance to do well this time.

How much has the birth of your first child changed your life? Will your wife, Ilary, and son be coming to visit you in Germany during your free time?
My life has changed very much indeed. Becoming a parent is an experience I cannot put into words. A child makes you more mature, more aware, more responsible. Ilary does have work commitments (she is a TV presenter) but I am sure that she will find the time to bring Cristian to see some of our games.

You are considered along with the likes of Michael Ballack, Andriy Shevchenko, Pavel Nedved, Ronaldinho and Thierry Henry among the players capable of winning the adidas Golden Ball at Germany 2006. Who do you think will wear the crown?
The contribution of all these players will help create a football extravaganza. It is difficult to say who will stand out from the crowd, but if I have to choose one then I’d say Ronaldinho, a genius and a crowd-pleaser. I don’t think an outsider will win the competition. The six teams in contention are Brazil, Argentina, France, England, Germany and, of course, Italy.

Do you think you’re as good as Ronaldinho and which of his qualities would you like to add to your own game?
He’s a different type of player to me, more of a wide attacker, whereas I prefer to play in the hole or as a centre-forward. He’s certainly quicker than me.

What will you take to Germany to help you relax?
The usual things footballers take to a big tournament or training camp: video games, music and some films.

Who was your room-mate in 2002?
In 2002 I was on my own, and I think it will be the same this time. To be honest I don’t think it’s an important factor at all.

Is there any difference between taking the field for Roma and Italy, and do you feel like a leader for the Azzurri?
There isn’t much difference. If I am a leader, then it is up to other people to say so rather than myself.

Can you tell us something about Simone Perrotta and Daniele De Rossi, both of whom enjoyed great seasons with Roma?
They were both excellent throughout the season. Perrotta gelled with his new team-mates very quickly. He never stops running. De Rossi is a midfield maestro with an excellent shot and also heads the ball well.

Paolo Maldini decided to retire from international football. What do you think of the decision, and might you decide to make this your last FIFA World Cup?
It’s his decision and we must respect that. This may be my last World Cup, I don’t know. My only wish is to be a star player at the World Cup at least once.

How do you explain the success of Dino Zoff’s Italy team in reaching the final of UEFA EURO 2000?
I put it down to team spirit, which is always a vital factor in an international competition. And that’s one of the reasons I’m so optimistic about Germany 2006.

Souce: WCoffsite