Burdisso 'dreamt' of playing for Roma

The Argentine defender spoke of his long-standing attraction to the Giallorossi, and maintained they would step up their challenge for honours during the campaign

Nicolas Burdisso has laid down the gauntlet to the rest of Serie A this season, warning the likes of front-runners Juventus that Roma will be in the hunt for the Scudetto until the end.

The capital club swept back in style from an opening-day draw against Catania by disposing of Inter at the Giuseppe Meazza, emerging eventual 3-1 winners; a result the Argentine centre-back believes has galvanised his team's bid for the title.

"I'm not afraid to say that word, Scudetto," the 31-year-old declared to Corriere dello Sport. "We are competitive, while Milan and Inter have recently both lost something."

"Our minimum goal must be to [compete] to the end. You must think match by match because the title is won by beating weaker teams."

Burdisso had initially signed for the Nerazzurri in 2004, but made an €8 million switch to the Olimpico five years later, a move he stands by till this day, despite suffering a serious knee injury last November.

"I discovered Roma in 2001 while playing for Boca," Burdisso recollected. "Ever since then, I dreamt of playing here."

"My inspiration [to recover] arrived via [Walter] Samuel. The club offering me a contract renewal even after my injury is something I'll never forget.

"I have seen footage of my injury many times, but thanks to their actions, I am no longer afraid to look."