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Liverpool 'a model to follow' says Roma legend Francesco Totti

Francesco Totti in action during the Serie A match between Roma and Sampdoria on September 11, 2016
Image: Francesco Totti has nothing but respect for Liverpool and their fans

Francesco Totti believes Liverpool are an example to others and he is not surprised that Mohamed Salah is proving such a success at Anfield.

Totti played for Roma against Liverpool at Anfield in the 2001-02 Champions League when they suffered a decisive 2-0 defeat in the second group stage and crashed out of the competition.

Speaking befpre Tuesday's Champions League semi-final first-leg at Anfield, the former Italy international told liverpoolfc.com:

"When I hear the name Liverpool, [I think] respect, a big club, a big team, big fans, and a model to follow. Despite the negative result, I have nice memories of that game [at Anfield].

"The atmosphere, the feeling, the passion of the fans - it was very impressive.

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Mohamed Salah reveals his highlights of the season but insists Liverpool's success is his top priority

Totti first remembers watching Liverpool as a seven-year-old when the Reds beat Roma in their own stadium to win the 1984 European Cup and he thinks his former club will be in for another tough match this week.

"Obviously, if I think back to that European Cup final in 1984, it's a bad memory, so we would have probably have avoided such a draw.

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"But we needed to pick one of the best three teams in Europe that were left, and now we are playing Liverpool."

Totti has been keeping a keen eye on Mohamed Salah following his move from Roma to Liverpool last summer for £34m.

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Here’s a look at the superb season enjoyed by Liverpool’s mercurial Mohamed Salah, after the Egyptian was named PFA Players’ Player of the Season

The Egypt international has scored 41 goals since arriving at Anfield and has been voted the PFA Player of the Year.

"This season I've seen a number of games of Liverpool, especially because Mo Salah is now playing there, I've been following it consistently," he added.

"Especially after the draw, over the past few days I've been watching their Champions League games and I really think it's going to be a tough game for both teams.

"To some extent, it surprises me that [Salah] has been doing so well in his first season at Liverpool.

"But, on the other hand, considering the quality of the squad, the coach they have - Klopp, to me, is one of the best coaches in the world - it didn't surprise me.

"They put him in the condition to express himself at his best."

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