Totti harsh: "Me, Del Piero and Maldini out of the clubs because they are cumbersome"

Francesco Totti, historic captain of Roma, returns to talk about his relationship with the world of football and the role that former champions struggle to carve out for themselves in Italy.

“We have always wondered why in Italian football there is difficulty in valorising champions. The answer is that we have become cumbersome. An important name overshadows everything that exists within a company. We are former players, competent in the sector, and this should count more. If they do not take us into consideration, it is clear that they have other objectives or thoughts”, said Totti, implying that his experience and that of his colleagues is not being recognized as it should be.

Totti then spoke about the Italian national team, coming off a disappointing experience at the last European Championships. “I wish the National team to return to the top. Like all Italians, I hoped for something better. Unfortunately, our players were not in good condition, neither physically nor mentally. And in such an important competition, if you are not at the top, it is difficult to get to the end”, explained the former Giallorossi captain. However, Totti expressed confidence in the new coach Luciano Spalletti: “The role of coach is very different from that of a club coach. Spalletti has understood and admitted his mistakes. Now we hope he can restart the national team as we all hope”.

Despite the distance from playing football, Totti admits that he is fine, even if he misses football. "I have other commitments and jobs, but if I were to return to football, I would like an operational, demanding and important role. The problem is that a name like mine can become cumbersome. From Roma, lately, no one has ever looked for me or called me", he confessed.

Speaking about his Roma, Totti was cautious. "Several clubs have strengthened this year, and Juventus is the one that has made the most important transfer market. Are you convinced by Roma? 'Ni'. They tried to mix everything up a bit, we'll see if they were right. Now it's up to De Rossi to find the right formulas on the pitch. We talk often, he didn't expect to start the championship like this, but he has the head and the desire to do well".

Finally, a reflection on Roma's market strategy: “We need clear communication, we need to be objective”, concluded Totti, letting some doubts slip about how his former team is managing the market dynamics and expectations for the season.