Pep Guardiola hails "phenomenal" Francesco Totti

Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola has paid tribute to the "phenomenal" Francesco Totti ahead of tonight's Champions League clash away to Roma.

At 38, the long-serving Giallorossi playmaker continues to be influential for his side and netted their equaliser in last month's 1-1 draw away to Group E rivals Manchester City.

Guardiola knows about Totti's quality first hand after spending a six-month spell with Roma as a player back in 2003, and the Spaniard hailed his Italian counterpart for his longevity.

"It's good to be back," the Bavarian boss told reporters. "Here in Rome I was a player just for six months. It was a short but great time.

"Of course, when I played for Roma I sat on the bench and Totti was on the field. And it's still the same!

"Anyone still playing at the age of 38 has a great passion for this sport. That's phenomenal. Normally at the age of 38, a professional player has earned enough money and quits. Totti still plays and that's because he loves this game."

Totti made his Roma debut way back in 1992 and has since clocked over 700 appearances in all competitions, winning one Serie A title and two Coppa Italias along the way.

Kickoff at the Stadio Olimpico is scheduled for 7.45pm.