Panucci aims to finish at Roma

The Italian international is already planning for life after football and is eager to return to the Spanish capital when he hangs up his boots.

Panucci spent over two years at Santiago Bernabeu with Real Madrid and while his playing stint was unsuccessful, the 29-year-old adored the lifestyle.

After leaving the European champions, Panucci traversed Europe, taking in spells at Internazionale, Chelsea and Monaco before joining Roma 18 months ago.

He is keen to stay with Fabio Capello's side until he decides the time is right to call it a day, when he aims to live in Madrid.

"As soon as I arrived, I knew Madrid was the city where I wanted to live the rest of my life," said Panucci.

"It's where I want to live when I retire from football, no question about it.

"I think I'll stay here (Roma), if I can, through to the end of my career because as a player, it's a wonderful place to live.

"After that, though, I'm going back to Madrid because I feel that is my spiritual home."