Totti: I was scared I'd miss last-second penalty against Sampdoria

He may be the king of Rome, but he gets scared just like the rest of us.

Roma captain Francesco Totti - like he has done so many times before - rescued his side on Sunday, coming on as a late substitute to set up the equaliser before converting a last-second penalty to give the Giallorossi a 3-2 win over Sampdoria.

Typically oozing confidence on the pitch, the 39-year-old admitted that he was nervous about the deciding spot-kick.

"A game is won by 11 players. I try to give my contribution when I come on, but the whole team overturned the game," Totti told Sky Sport Italia after the match, which was delayed for over an hour at halftime as rain pounded the Stadio Olimpico.

"It was the first time I was a little scared that I'd miss. It was too important to crown this match with an assist and a winning goal. Besides, I was under the Curva Sud, so I couldn't miss there."

Totti, who turns 40 later this month, opted against retirement this summer, a decision that he continues to justify.

"The pitch is what decides," he said. "If I am in this condition and have the right mentality, why stop?

"I am a Roman and a Romanista, so naturally the fans feel this bond and acclaim me. I can only do my best."