“There were Serie A teams that called me…” Francesco Totti admits

Roma legend Francesco Totti recently revealed that Serie A teams have contacted him, asking if he would consider returning to professional football.

Totti, who is now 48 years old, retired in 2017 after spending his entire career with Roma, where he made 786 appearances and scored 307 goals for the club.

In his statement, Totti said, “There were Serie A teams that called me. I admit that they made me think a little, a little crazy.” He explained that, while a return might be difficult, it is something he has thought about, adding,

“It would be difficult, but in life you never say never.” He noted that there are examples of players who have returned to football long after their retirement.

However, he emphasized that getting back into shape would require serious preparation, especially for the top level of Serie A, saying, “If I were to return to Serie A I would have to train really well.”

Despite the interest, Totti made it clear that he would never play for Roma’s fierce rivals, Lazio. He firmly stated, “Lazio? I wouldn’t even consider it.” When asked about when he would be able to  return, he said “I’d be ready in two to three months — I’m still playing at 48.”

However, Totti acknowledged that such a comeback would be a bold move “If I had to do something crazy, I’d do it in Italy, not abroad, but it is crazy.”

Totti also shared that his retirement from football was not his own decision. He reflects on how unexpected it felt, saying, “It wasn’t my choice, but in that moment it has to be experienced differently from the context.”

He admitted that this unresolved feeling has stayed with him, “Maybe that’s also why I’ve had that thing inside me. It’s true that there’s a beginning and an end to everything. I didn’t want it and so that window remained open.”

Meanwhile, Roma have been struggling in the 2023-24 season. They sacked their former player Daniele De Rossi as coach after a disappointing start. The team failed to win any of their first four league matches. Since Ivan Jurić took over, Roma have improved slightly, winning two of his first four domestic matches, but they still sit 10th in the standings.