In a recent interview with Sky Sport, Francesco Totti, the legendary former captain of AS Roma, shared his thoughts on various topics, including the Italian national team, his current role, and the state of his beloved Roma.
Reflecting on Italy’s performance in the Euros and their resurgence in the Nations League, Totti expressed disappointment but hope for the future. “Unfortunately, I formed a negative opinion like all sports fans. We thought Italy could do much better, but they didn’t arrive in good physical and mental condition,” he said. He added, “Spalletti, fortunately or unfortunately, I think has understood his mistakes, so I hope he can restart from this Nations League to return to high levels.”
When asked about his current involvement in football, Totti revealed a surprising lack of contact from his former club. “I miss working in football a bit, but at the same time I’m fine because I have other things to do,” he stated. “In Rome, there’s always a lot of talk about my return, but in reality, there’s nothing true. No one has ever called or looked for me, and honestly, I didn’t expect it. Despite this, we’re all happy, even if the fans are a bit less so.”
Totti also shared his thoughts on the Serie A transfer market, particularly praising Juventus’ efforts. Regarding Roma’s transfers, he was more reserved: “Ni (yes and no), at the last they started to mix everything up a bit. We have to see if they were right, let’s hope so.”
On the topic of Roma’s new coach, Daniele De Rossi, Totti expressed support for his former teammate. “It’s up to De Rossi to put the players on the field well and find their best condition,” he said. “In the last month, he and I have been in touch very often, I’ve given him advice just as he’s given me. He’s happy with what he’s doing, but obviously, he’s trying to do better because he didn’t think he’d start this way.”
Addressing the issue of young players leaving Roma, Totti called for transparency: “For me, the answer is simple, we need clarity. If you come out in the open telling the truth, it becomes simpler, while if things are hidden inside Trigoria, it becomes complicated.”
Finally, Totti commented on the promising young player Baldanzi after his hat-trick with Italy’s Under-21 team: “I’ve always liked him as a player and as a person. He has a career ahead of him, making comparisons seems reductive and not fair to him. I’m happy for him, may it be a good omen to continue at these levels.”
