Francesco Totti has once again spoken about the end of his career at Roma, revealing that his retirement in 2017 was not his own decision. This week, while launching his autobiography "Oltre," the former player stated that the club management's decision caught him by surprise, and he compared his farewell from the pitch to a symbolic death.
"In a sense, I died once. It was a forced farewell, not one I wanted," Totti said at an event held at Rome's Teatro Brancaccio.
The former No. 10 explained that he knew retirement would eventually come, but he never expected it to happen in this manner. Totti said that the club management's decision created a period of uncertainty about his future.
"I was the last to know about my retirement. I accepted the management's decision, but I was afraid to turn the page," he stated.
Totti's last professional match was on May 28, 2017, when Roma defeated Genoa 3-2 at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome. After that match, Roma fans paid an emotional tribute to him, as he had played for the Italian club for 25 seasons.
This farewell had sparked controversy weeks earlier. In May 2017, then-sporting director Monchi announced that it would be the No. 10's last season. When asked about the decision, Totti replied that he did not yet know if he would retire. The official retirement announcement was not made until July, by which time Totti had already taken on a role in Roma's management.
His experience behind the scenes at the club also ended in conflict. In June 2019, Totti left his management role and criticized the former management, claiming he had no say in sporting decisions. Roma denied these accusations at the time.
A member of Italy's 2006 World Cup-winning squad, Totti spent his entire career at Roma, winning one Serie A title, two Coppa Italia titles, and two Supercoppa Italiana titles with the team. The former No. 10, who turns 50 in September, remains one of the greatest icons in the club's history.
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Gun1
1
He was around 40, I think. It was the best move for the team though
mokcorsz
0
fools club
AbSixers
1
The team will always do what will favour them. my advice to any footballer is to also do whatever they think will make them happy and forget their emotions or the love that they have for the club. football is more than a game. it's a business