The Giallorossi legend: “Only they and I understand the significance we hold for each other. I would give everything to return to play. “I have always dedicated my life to these colors”
The Corriere dello Sport celebrates its 100th anniversary and on RAI 2, the documentary “Eroici! 100 years of passion and sports stories” was aired to celebrate the milestone of the sports newspaper. Among the characters who took part in the show was Francesco Totti, who spoke about his career and his relationship with the yellow and red colors. Here are the words from the legend of Roma:
On the fervor of the Roma fans and the possibility of leaving Roma. “We all know that the support in Roma is different from all other teams in Italy or Europe. The relationship I share with my fans is indescribable, only we understand the significance we hold for each other. My experience is distinctly unique, especially as I was crowned right here in Rome. I also accomplished it thanks to their strong support. Throughout my career, I have been given the opportunity to play for various teams, both domestically and abroad. “Especially abroad at Real Madrid, where he was just a signature away”.
“Why didn’t he leave Roma, perhaps due to weakness?” “It wasn’t a matter of weakness, it was a matter of love.” “I have chosen the heart, I have chosen my life that I have always dedicated to Rome, to the love I felt for these colors, for this jersey”.
On the meaning of sport. “Sport is everything for me. For a young person, it is crucial to be an athlete, to attend training and dedicate themselves to the sport they love.”
On the idol, Giannini. “As a boy, I’ve always admired and esteemed Giuseppe Giannini, he was part of my upbringing. “He was my idol and I also played with him”.
On the death of his father. “After the death of my father, my world crumbled. We had hoped that one day he would tell me well done, at least once.” What would he give to play again? “Everything, even though looking at what’s out there today, I might still be able to play at 47.”
About the derby. “The rivalry was the derby, the cousins. Never lose a derby.” “But at the same time, the rivalry could be on the field with an opponent, at your very own level”.
On the 2006 World Cup. “I went there because Mister Lippi absolutely wanted me. He gave me a drive and a desire I never had before.” I knew that during the 90 minutes, I could conjure up something sooner or later. For me, the match was not about fear or apprehension, it was about having fun and entertaining the people. Therefore, I stepped onto the field with a mindset unlike any other. The penalty kick against Australia? If I hadn’t scored then, the World Cup would have been over for everyone, including myself. “I believe they would have killed me,”