Italian legend Francesco Totti brings down the curtain after 25 years at AS Roma
AS Roma’s home game with lowly Genoa on Sunday will bring the curtain down on Francesco Totti’s 25 years at the club but, after several months of intrigue, it is not known if the talismanic playmaker will retire altogether. Second-placed Roma had made it clear they would not offer the 40-year-old Totti another contract but he refused to play ball until Thursday, when he finally announced it would be his last game for them. Even then, he hinted that he could continue his career elsewhere – something previously unthinkable for one of the sport’s most loyal players.
“From Monday, I’m ready to go again. I’m ready for a new challenge,” he said, adding that football was a passion he needed to fuel. Roma have been criticised for their handling of what has become an uncomfortable situation for them as coach Luciano Spalletti made little use of Totti this season.
With Napoli, who are third, just a point behind in the standings, there will be no time for sentiment, either, as Roma need to win to make sure of finishing runners-up to Juventus and qualifying for the Champions League group stage next season.
Third place would mean going into the final playoff round, where …read more
