Petrucci exclusive: Man Utd then & why they struggle; hopes for De Rossi's Roma

Now 32, Davide Petrucci is still going strong. With a club cv which includes Manchester United, AS Roma and CFR Cluj, football has taken the Italian across Europe - and back.

Petrucci is now playing in Serie C with Brindisi, having landed a contract last year after securing a release from Israel's Hapoel Be'er Sheva. Before then, Davide spent three years in Turkey with Çaykur Rizespor and two years in Romania with giants, CFR Cluj.

But his pro career began in his home city and home club, AS Roma. Davide came right through the youth system of the Giallorossi before being convinced to leave as a 16 year-old for England and Manchester United in 2008. He would spend six years on the books at United before accepting that offer from Cluj.

Now back home, Petrucci spoke with Tribalfootball.com about his multi-nation career, the stars he played with and also his thoughts on the present day Manchester United and Roma.

First Roma, then United... it's football royalty isn't?

"For me, it was like a dream those first couple of years. I started playing for Roma, which is THE club in my city and I dreamt about that. Then I went to Manchester, which was a huge step for me and my career. I am honoured to have had the chance to play for these two big teams."

You mixed with some football greats at United...

"When I went to Manchester United I had the honour to train with players like Cristiano Ronaldo, Tevez, Rooney, Ferdinand, Giggs but the player who impressed me the most was Paul Scholes. His qualities were out of this world!

"Also, I had the chance to live with but also to play with Pogba, who is still a great player!"

After United, it was Romania. What was that experience like? You did win the Cup there...

"Well, I still follow very closely