Francesco Totti's Goodbye Speech Will Bring A Tear To Your Eye

First and foremost, can we just say a massive, Italian happy birthday to the great Francesco Totti, who celebrates his 42nd year of birth today.

On May 28, 2017, Totti pulled on the AS Roma shirt for the final time and world football shed a tear as a wonderful career came to an end. Moments after the game had finished, cameras panned toward Totti as he paid his final farewell, and much like many of his teammates, and fans, he struggled to hold back the tears.

The Italian entered the fray in the second half with the game poised at 1-1, following a third minute opener from Pietro Pellegri, the youngest ever goalscorer in Serie A history, and a reply from Edin Dzeko in the first half. 'Il Capitano' was handed the captain's armband by fellow one-club man Daniele De Rossi as he came onto the Stadio Olimpico pitch for the final time.

It was one of the most emotional moments in football history.

As expected, every touch from the Roma legend was wildly cheered by those in attendance. The club would eventually get over the line and secure Champions League football in an action-packed 3-2 win at the Stadio Olimpico. Totti did a lap around the famous pitch and thanked all of the fans for their support over the years.

Then, in a 12 minute speech, the Italian poured out his heart and soul to his adoring fans, who were filmed crying in the stands. It was an all round rollercoaster of emotions.

He also wrote an emotional message on the match ball before he headed to the changing room for the final time. The note reads: "I will miss you." - a poignant message of how much the striker loved this beautiful game.

Three days before his final bow, the 40-year old confirmed that the game against Genoa at the Stadio Olimpico would be his last, and as expected it was an emotional affair in front of the Giallorossi faithful.

As noted by the official AS Roma website, the shirts featured a 'Totti 10' logo on the sleeves, as well as special message. It contained the quote, "Una squadra per la vita" - which translates to, "one team for a lifetime".

Genoa, did their bit as they also wore a special Totti-themed shirt that contained a message on both the front and back: "Genoa CFC salute Francesco Totti" is the message on the front, while the message continues in the rear by reading:

"25 seasons with a single shirt, 786 appearances, 307 goals, World Champion in 2006. Francesco Totti in football history."

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Topics: Football News, Football, AS Roma, Roma, Francesco Totti

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare is a writer at SPORTbible. He's interviewed some of the biggest names in sport, including Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Pele, Carles Puyol and Tim Henman. He dabbles in all things sport but football is his biggest passion. He was once hit in the head by a wayward strike from Nicky Butt and lived to tell the tale.

@jackkenmare_