It's well and truly the end of an era at the Stadio Olimpico today, as Francesco Totti makes his final appearance for Roma.
Rumours of retirement had been swirling for a while when new Roma Sporting Director Monchi stated that Totti would hang up his boots and take up a new role at his beloved Giallorossi.
Image: PA
At a presentation three weeks ago, he said:
"In terms of Totti, I already knew that there was an agreement with the club that this would be his final year as a player, then he'd start as a director.
"Francesco is Roma, I want to be as close to him as possible. I'd love to learn even one per cent of the huge amount that he knows."
Three days ago, Totti confirmed he would play his last match in a Roma shirt against Genoa on the final day of fixtures in Serie A.
And to commemorate 'the King of Rome', Roma players will wear a special shirt to mark the occasion.
As noted by the official AS Roma website, the shirts feature a 'Totti 10' logo on the sleeves, as well as special message.
It contains the quote, "Una squadra per la vita" - which translates to, "one team for a lifetime".
Totti has received a whole host of messages of supports for his special day.
Paolo Maldini and David Beckham both professed their love for the Eternal City's favourite son.
Steven Gerrard also weighed in with a message to 'the king of Rome' - with the Liverpool legend referring to Totti as "a special player".
Totti's compatriot Roberto Mancini Tweeted a message of support ahead of his final appearance:
And Inter Milan, a team Totti regularly tormented over the years, felt the need to pass on their best wishes:
As per Football Italia, today's opponents, Genoa, are doing their bit as they are also wearing a special Totti-themed shirt that contains a message on both the front and back.
Image: @GenoaCFC
"Genoa CFC salute Francesco Totti" is the message on the front, while the message continues n the rear by reading:
"25 seasons with a single shirt, 786 appearances, 307 goals, World Champion in 2006. Francesco Totti in football history."
It's certainly going to be an emotional send-off today, and here's hoping Francesco signs off in style.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics:ย AS Roma, Francesco Totti
