Castrogiovanni: ‘Leicester made me who I am’

Editor

Racing 92 prop Martin Castrogiovanni is preparing for an emotional match-up against his old side Leicester Tigers in the Champions Cup semi-finals.

The Italian international was a replacement for Racing against another of his former sides, Toulon, during last Sunday's quarter-final triumph at the Stade Yves du Manoir.

Now Castrogiovanni and Racing will travel to face Leicester at the City Ground in Nottingham, and the 34-year-old admits it will be a special occasion on potentially his final European appearance.

Castrogiovanni made 149 appearances for Leicester between 2006 and 2013.

"It's an honour to be here at Racing, I don't know how many games I have left, maybe it will be my last Champions Cup game against Leicester. It would be great to start with Leicester and finish against Leicester," Castrogiovanni told the EPC Rugby website.

"It would be a massive honour to play against the team who made me the player I am today and in-front of the fans who have really loved me.

"I know I didn't have the best time the last time I played there with Toulon, but Leicester is my club, it will always be in my heart.

"We will see who is the best club on the day, I have Leicester in my heart but I will be playing for Racing."