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Legend Francesco Totti Officially Retires From Playing Football

Legend Francesco Totti Officially Retires From Playing Football

The Roma legend had been attracting interest from America and the Far East but has decided to hang up his boots.

Ryan Sidle

Ryan Sidle

Et venit, vidit vicit- Francesco Totti came, saw and conquered when it came to Rome, Italy and the world. But now the legendary Roma forward officially confirmed his retirement from playing.

There have been quite a few players in the last few years who have had their time come to an end at a club where they were a legend only to muddy the waters by dropping down in standard.

Steven Gerrard's move to LA stopped him being a one club man. Alessandro del Piero and Frank Lampard may not have been one club men in the first place but their drop down was unnecessary.

Alessandro Del Piero
Alessandro Del Piero

After an incredible career at Juventus Del Piero moved to Australia. Image: PA

Totti was also at that point at the end of the season with interest coming from America with New York Cosmos and the Chinese Super League or the chance to retire.

But now the 40 year-old Roman with 786 appearances for I Lupi has officially decided to call it a day.

The forward posted on Twitter to confirm the news:

In the message the player said:

"The first part of my life as a football player is over and now another more important on 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."

Totti
Totti

Totti has spent 25 seasons at the Stadio Olimpico. Image: PA

The Roma legend has apparently been offered a role 'upstairs' with his now former club by the new manager Eusebio Di Francesco.

Di Francesco played with Totti at the Stadio Olimpico between 1997 and 2001 and took over the job as manager last month after Luciano Spalletti left.

The new manager wants the former club captain to fill the gap between the playing staff and the club's hierarchy, and he's not a bad icon to have around for younger players.

Totti
Totti

Only a real legend could get away with this goal celebration at 2-2. Image: PA

Totti and Di Francesco won the Serie A title together in 2001, one of only five domestic titles in Totti's incredible career.

Whilst it's a shame we'll never get to see him play again there's something nice about him retiring having only ever played for Roma and Italy!

What an incredible player.

Featured Image Credit:

Topics: Roma