Cicinho admits his former Real Madrid teammates with Serie A experience convinced him to choose Roma ahead of several other offers over the summer.

The Brazil international fullback signed for Roma, despite interest from Liverpool and Sevilla, and revealed: "My teammates Emerson, Cassano, but also Cannavaro, all have spoken well of Roma and I had no doubts in choosing them over other offers.

"The captain of the Italian national team (Cannavaro) told me that here I would be comfortable, even if I know that Serie A will be no walk in the park."