Humble Roma boss Spalletti apologises for Ronaldo attacks

Roma midfielder David Pizarro and club director Bruno Conti both accused Ronaldo of showboating in last week's game.

But speaking at Old Trafford ahead of Wednesday's return leg at Old Trafford, Spalletti said: "Some of the things said by our club after the game were perhaps said in the heat of the moment, because we had the bitter taste of defeat in our mouths.

"Our comments had the bitterness of defeat in them.

"We were disappointed after that game.

"Sometimes we may say things that we normally would not. That is what happened.

" Cristiano Ronaldo is an excellent player. It is something that he has shown through his game.

"He is a very exuberant player and a very fair player. He is a very correct player. Thats what he does on the pitch."

Rome must score at least twice to have a chance of stopping United reaching the last four.

Spalletti added: "It would be presumptious of me to come here and say that we were going to impose ourselves on United and do this or do that.

"It is important to be humble. Humility is a very important quality.

"We need to work hard against a team like United, a team that has players who are prepared to give everything for their team.

"If I sat here and said what we were going to do to them it might provoke them and then it could rebound on us.

"But I believe my players are capable of overturning any score.

"I know them very well and they can do this. Anything can happen. I look at Sir Alex Ferguson. He is a wonderful example for all managers."