Totti Reflects on Roma, Farewell, and Relationship with Friedkins

Francesco Totti Unveils New Book "Oltre"

Francesco Totti recently introduced his latest book, Oltre, at an event attended by Vincent Candela, Max Biagi, Noemi Bocchi, his children, and Gian Piero Gasperini. Speaking from the Teatro Brancaccio stage, Totti shared reflections on his five decades of life, love, and football.

"Over these 50 years, I have given and received so much love, especially from my family, my children, and the people. It was a simple, beautiful, transparent give and take," he said. "I was doing a job I always wanted, driven by passion and joy."

Feelings about His Football Career

The former Roma captain revealed how he tried to express the emotions he experienced while playing. "For me, it was true love. It's hard to put into words what you feel. In those moments, I was confident in myself, and I hope that love reached others," Totti explained.

Looking back on his retirement, Totti described it as a forced goodbye. "From one perspective, I’m dead. It wasn’t a farewell I wanted or felt ready for. I knew it would come eventually, but this was painful and different from what I imagined. In football, you’re useful when you’re useful; otherwise, you’re not. It’s a harsh truth, but it is what it is."

Adjusting After Retirement

He admitted to feeling lost after hanging up his boots. "I missed the daily routines I had. When your ground shifts beneath you, it’s hard to keep balance. It happened quickly, and since I was the last to know, I accepted the decision reluctantly. I’m scared because I didn’t know what lay ahead or what I wanted next. I tend to be sensitive and sometimes withdraw into myself. I thought over my 25 years—good moments, bad moments, any mistakes. It was confusing. Ending such a long chapter with one shirt made me feel dead inside."

Gasperini Praises Roma's Return to Champions League

During the evening, Gian Piero Gasperini joined via video call and was warmly applauded. Totti thanked him, saying, "This is thanks to you, for bringing us back to those magical Champions League nights Roma deserves. Thanks for giving us this opportunity." Gasperini responded with affection, recalling the recent match against Real Madrid: "The most beautiful part was the stadium full of enthusiasm. It was moving to see that energy in the city. I’m sorry I can’t be there tonight, but I wanted to participate somehow."

Totti on Future Appearances and Scudetto Hopes

When asked if he would attend the upcoming Roma vs. Slovan Bratislava game, Totti replied, "If I find tickets, I’ll come." On the team's chances for the Scudetto, he dialed down excitement after hearing a strong negative reaction from the crowd: "Let’s focus on tomorrow."

Relationship with Friedkins and Possible Return

The topic of Totti's potential return to Roma surfaced again. He openly acknowledged differences with the club owners. "Usually, meetings are a two-way street, but in seven or eight years, that hasn’t happened. They think differently about life, work, and ideas. That’s fine. Either we work together, or we don’t. If they don’t share my views, then we stop here. That seems right."

Though the door remains closed for now, Totti emphasized his ongoing love for Roma. "I hope the Friedkins go far. I’m behind the scenes but always there for Roma."