Ghana international Sulley Muntari has lauded AS Roma legend Francesco Totti, describing him as a universal symbol that everyone idolises.

The 38-year-old skipper has spent his entire career at Roma where he played 565 games and scored 238 goals, making him a cult figure in Italian football.

“Francesco Totti is so much stuff,” Muntari told Corriere dello Sport. “He is a universal symbol for football, the Serie A, for all the players. Even for us who come from Africa. He is a universal symbol worldwide.”

He added: “Totti must always be respected. Whatever happened in the Juventus-Roma game last week, Totti has the right to speak and they all have a duty to listen. He is football. So are Pirlo, Buffon, Ibrahimovic ... When they speak everyone should remain silent and just listen. Whatever Totti says should be respected.”

Muntari also spoke about his new coach Pippo Inzaghi.

“Surely, now things are much better, Inzaghi has brought so much enthusiasm,” Muntari said. “A year ago we had big plans, but it did not go well.”

“Inzaghi has brought enthusiasm, he transformed our anger into something positive and the first results are already showing.

“I personally am very happy to have him as a coach. Past two years and a half we had no idea of the game ... With him, from the very first workout we were able to understand the management of the ball, as we had to play and relate between departments. The midfielders now know what we must do,” the Ghana international added.