Roma legend Francesco Totti is not entirely convinced by the Giallorossi’s summer signings and hints that fans are unhappy he’s not part of the club: ‘An important name overshadows all the rest.’
Roma and Italy legend Totti released an interview with Sky Sport Italia, discussing the start of the Serie A campaign and the Giallorossi’s results so far.
Totti worked for the club from 2017 until 2019, during James Pallotta’s presidency, and hasn’t had a role at any other club since.
“Yes, I miss it [football] a little bit, but I am still doing fine; I have other work and things to do. If I were to cover a role in football, it should be important and relevant,” the ex-striker said, as quoted by Calciomercato.com.
Totti seems surprised that nobody from Roma called him to offer him a role at the club but notes that other Italian legends, such as Alessandro Del Piero and Paolo Maldini, are not working for their ex-clubs Juventus and Milan.
“I didn’t expect it, but we are all happy—me and them [Roma], perhaps the fans, not so much.
Totti’s verdict on Roma transfers and why he, Del Piero and Maldini not in football
“It becomes cumbersome; an important name overshadows all the rest, but if you are competent and important, this happens,” he continued, answering a question about his ex-Italy teammates.
“Evidently, if we aren’t considered, there are other targets and thoughts.”
Roma made several new signings this summer and saw Paulo Dybala remain at the club despite a lucrative offer from the Saudi Pro League. Totti is not entirely convinced about the club’s moves but completely trusts his friend and ex-teammate Daniele De Rossi.
“Convincing transfer window? Yes and no. After all the mess, they risked it all,” he said
“Now it’s up to De Rossi to put them on the pitch and make them give their best. We’ve often spoken over the last month, and he is happy with what he’s doing. He’ll try to do more because he didn’t expect such a poor start. He has the mentality and the desire to improve.
“Many clubs signed reinforcements, especially the biggest ones. Juventus are the team that tried to make the most important signings.”
Totti spent his whole career at Roma, scoring 307 goals in 786 matches and winning one Scudetto.
“I always get emotional when I talk about Roma, but it doesn’t mean I cry every time. I’ve put Roma ahead of everything else, and every time I speak about Roma is always something big,” he admitted.
Lastly, Totti spoke about Roma talent Tommaso Baldanzi, who scored a hat-trick for Italy U21 against Norway on Tuesday.
I’ve always liked him as a footballer and as a person. He’s a humble guy, simple, who always makes himself available. He has the entire career in front of him. It’s reductive to make comparisons. He scored this hat trick with Italy U21, and I am happy; I hope it’s a starting point,” concluded the ex-Roma captain.
