The 22-year-old Argentinian, who plays for Eternal City rivals Lazio, made the comment yesterday, adding: "He hasn't scored in about 10 derbies."

But Totti, who has scored 240 goals for Roma in all competitions, wrote on his website, www.francescototti.com, today: "Since it's Christmas and we should all try to be better people, I send 240 well wishes to Zarate.

"In 2010, I hope to get more goals and assists to become a record goalscorer."

Roma beat Lazio 1-0 earlier this month with a goal from Marco Cassetti.