[D-Kin]

Lazio striker Tommaso Rocchi explains why he risked further injury just to face Real Madrid at the Olimpico.

“I recovered in the space of two days, which was pretty much impossible. I wanted to be here and was alright for some of the game, but after a while the pain became too much,” he revealed.

The Lazio star sprained his left ankle during Sunday’s Serie A match at Reggina and only 24 hours before kick-off was given a “50 per cent” chance of featuring.

Yet he started the match and even wasted a golden opportunity to secure victory in the 2-2 draw.

“The important thing is that I was able to experience this event, as I wanted to be here at all costs. Let us say that great chance landed on my injured foot, so I hit it quite weakly.”

There are also reports Rocchi begged to be allowed to face Madrid, accepting a spot in the stands when Lazio take on Milan this weekend.

“We will see whether I will play on Sunday. We’ll have to evaluate the situation and how it develops.”

The Biancocelesti certainly made it a night to remember, as they twice fought back from Ruud van Nistelrooy goals to earn a draw.

“We played well, were very determined, aggressive and worked extremely hard. Looking at the statistics we also had more scoring opportunities, but Real Madrid showed their quality by converting almost all of their chances,” noted Rocchi.

“A draw therefore is the right result, but we have regrets over what we could have done.”

channel4.com - Football Italia