Roma captain Francesco Totti has hit back at claims that his best days are behind him.

Ahead of this weekend's Rome derby, the 32-year-old, who has had a troubled return since knee surgery in April, insisted he was not rushed back to action.

"I've heard strange voices, about my compromised career, bad surgery, a rushed recovery," he wrote in Corriere dello Sport.

"During my recuperation I underwent physical and medical tests and everyone gave me the green light to move to the next stage of my rehabilitation."

Totti is slowly returning to peak fitness. He played an hour in the UEFA Champions League win over Chelsea and 85 minutes against Bologna, in which he scored Roma's goal, his second of the season.

"It is clear that my athletic condition isn't going to be at its best. But I am sure that I will soon return to the best of my abilities," he said. 

It is vitally important that Roma win the Rome derby, as aside from local bragging rights, Luciano Spalletti's team hang just one point over the relegation zone.

While they looked good in the 3-1 victory over Chelsea, the familiar defensive problems returned in the 1-1 draw with Bologna and Totti realises that with Lazio in confident mood, I Giallorossi will need to be at their best.

Lazio are enjoying a good period. They cause problems for teams, are quick, aggresive, play at speed and even in tight spaces
Roma captain Francesco Totti on his side's arch-rivals, whom they will meet in the forthcoming Rome derby.

", as they have demonstrated so far this season," he concluded.