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We knew he had played his last game for Roma, and he would need time to consider his next move, but today the future of Francesco Totti has been officially clarified – he is to become a director at Roma.
The 40-year-old has confirmed his retirement from professional football and has agreed to remain with his boyhood club, who he represented more times than any other player. The greatest player in the club’s history, Totti is highly regarded across world football for his loyalty to Roma, his only club, and his technical skill. Unfortunately the days of us witnessing that skill of his on the field are over, but he is to remain connected to the club, in a move that makes sense more than any other. The director role he is to take is as yet unspecified, as he himself is unsure of what role would best suit him. He is to collaborate with the top members of the club hierarchy, from President James Pallotta to general manager Mauro Baldissoni, and from head coach (and former teammate) Euesbio Di Francesco to sporting director Monchi, in order to discover where he will best fit in Roma’s future. This means he will likely experience many of the different roles at the club in more detail than ever before, and be available for Roma wherever he is needed. He posted this message on his social media platforms: “The first part of my life as a football player is over and now another more important one is about to begin. We start from square one. I need time to figure out, step by step, in a calm and sensible way, what role suits me better. For this reason, I’m putting myself at the disposal of this club, from the young players to the President. Until 28th May I only thought about playing football, having fun and making a significant contribution to the team. Now I move on, I’m turning over a new leaf. I will think about a new role that will amaze me and bring me plenty of good things. How should you call me? Keep calling me Francesco, as always.” The news of Totti’s decision to remain with Roma in an off-the-field role is one that will be warmly received by all fans, the people he gave so much for over a glistening 25-year career. Never before have a player and a club been so synonymous with one another, so it is extremely satisfying to know that the two will remain connected. As Roma look to a new future on the pitch, they can be content in the knowledge they will be guided off it, in whatever capacity, by the greatest legend in their history. It’s as good a time as any to say, Grazie, Francesco.
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Yesterday, less than 24 hours after the final whistle had blown in Francesco Totti's final ever Roma game, the Giallorossi captain was inducted into the club's Hall Of Fame.
Set up in 2012, the Hall of Fame commemorates those who have achieved great things with Roma, featuring players such as Agostino Di Bartolomei, Bruno Conti, Aldair, and Totti's icon, Giuseppe Giannini. Totti skipped the usual voting process to be immediately inducted, given his popularity at the club and the number of records he holds. When Totti entered the pitch against Genoa on Sunday it marked his 786th appearance in a Roma shirt; no player in history has made more for the club. The club's announcement also pointed out that Totti would be Roma's all-time leading appearance maker even if only the games he played as captain were taken into account (570), having held the role since he was 22. He is also the club's all-time record goalscorer with 307 goals. In terms of Serie A, no player in history has scored more goals with one club (250), more penalties (71), more braces (46), or has scored in more consecutive seasons than Totti's 23. Il Capitano said he was "profoundly honoured" to be recognised and admitted into the Hall of Fame. It's the least he deserves. Montella Refuses To Dismiss Roma Return, Sensi Calls Out Pallotta and Spalletti, Manolas Agent Speaks: A Brief Summary of Roma Related News In Today's Media
Tomorrow sees Roma partake in a very important away match against AC Milan at the Giuseppe Meazza, facing a team led by a Roma legend, Vincenzo Montella. Montella scored 84 goals in 192 games for Roma, featuring for the club in nine different seasons, before hanging up his boots in 2009. After this, he went on to take charge of Roma's under 15 side, and was appointed Roma's interim manager for a brief spell in 2011. Asked if he would consider a return to Roma's dugout in the future, Montella remained coy, suggesting he may like to manage i Lupi when they move into Stadio Della Roma. Elsewhere, former Roma president Rosella Sensi has publicly criticised James Pallotta for the long distance he is overseeing the club's affairs from. She discussed how she was disappointed by the way Francesco Totti's contract situation has been managed, suggesting Il Capitano himself would make a better president. She also criticised Luciano Spalletti's apparent inability to manage Totti well, saying a great coach should be able to manage any player. Sensi even suggested the club's hierarchy may be attempting to finish Totti's career as soon as possible, as a method to entice a Spalletti renewal. Finally, Kostas Manolas's agent has stated that the decision on the player's future lies in Roma's hands. Once again, a number of top European clubs have been linked with the Greek defender, with Inter Milan the apparent favourites for his signature. However, the player's agent has denied any talks with Inter and has claimed it is up to Roma whether his client will be sold or not. Should Spalletti replace Stefano Pioli at Inter this summer - it's not unfeasible - the strength and likelihood of the rumours may increase. However, for now, Manolas's place of employment is in the capital. |
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