Simone Perrotta is ready to realise his father's dream by playing at Old Trafford on Tuesday evening.
Ashton-under-Lyne born midfielder returns to Manchester
Should Simone Perrotta figure in Roma's side to face Manchester United on Tuesday evening then his father's lifetime ambition will be fulfilled at Old Trafford.
Roma make the trip to Manchester with last season's 7-1 defeat still weighing heavy on Italian minds, but for Ashton-under-Lyne born Perrotta it will be a match of sentimental significance, not just professional pride.
The Italian international will be well supported in the stands, although it will be a case of mixed loyalties for his father, a Manchester United fan who once ran a bar in Ashton before returning to Italy in 1983.
Perrotta missed last season's demolition job but is looking forward to eking some kind of revenge against the side his family used to idolise.
Sentimental journey
"My father came to this stadium for 20-odd years and it was his desire to see his son play here," said Perrotta.
"Last season I wasn't fit to play in the game but now I am able to give him the satisfaction of seeing his son play here so now I can make him a very happy man indeed.
"Anyone who was here last season will remember the seven goals we conceded, but it was a whole set of circumstances that led to that result.
"Tomorrow is a different match with different players for both sides.
"It's destiny that we are playing again so soon."