Roma star Francesco Totti has thanked departed manager Zdenek Zeman for the influence that the Czech has had on his career.

The 65-year-old was sacked last week following the Giallorossi's 4-2 defeat at home to Cagliari.

Totti expressed his sadness at Zeman's departure, but offered his full support to stand-in coach Aurelio Andreazzoli.

"Mr Zeman is a coach and a man who has contributed significantly to my professional and personal growth," Totti wrote on his official website.

"I want to thank him with all my might and embrace him and his staff for what they have done. This sacking is a defeat for all of us.

"For Aurelio and his staff I wish good luck. They are working right now with passion, professionalism and enthusiasm. We have targets as a group, and we want to reach them."

Roma face Sampdoria away on Sunday afternoon.