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Football

11th Apr 2018

Roma president hails Alex Ferguson as ‘good luck charm’ after Champions League heroics

He was happy with his decision to invite the former Manchester United manager

Wayne Farry

Roma’s president has today hailed the impact of his team’s “good luck charm” Alex Ferguson after the Scot sat in the stands to witness the Italian side’s stunning comeback victory against Barcelona in the Champions League.

The former Manchester United manager accepted an invitation from president Jim Palotta, choosing to visit the Italian capital rather than watch Manchester City’s defeat to Liverpool at the Etihad Stadium.

The decision to invite Ferguson on the anniversary of Man Utd’s memorable 6-1 victory over Roma ended up being an inspired one, as the Scot was treated to three goals and an unlikely victory courtesy of Edin Dzeko, Daniele de Rossi and Kostas Manolas.

Speaking after the game, Palotta joked to journalists that it was all part of his plan, saying: “That’s why I brought Sir Alex Ferguson, to bring good luck!”

Celebrations after the victory continued long into the night in Rome, and Palotta was front and centre among the fans as he jumped into a fountain while thousands of jubilant supporters rejoiced.