Candela reflects on Totti at 50: 'A man of the people who always wanted the ball in difficult moments'

Francesco Totti turned 50 on 27 September, marking half a century since his birth on that date in 1976. The Roma legend gave an extended interview to Corriere dello Sport director Ivan Zazzaroni, reflecting on his 25 years with the club, his retirement from playing, and his decision to step away from a role in the club's administration. On his departure from Roma's executive structure, Totti was direct: "I left an executive post with a three-year contract. Staying in the company and doing nothing made me feel useless—like an extra body." He emphasised that any return to the club must be a genuine partnership: "I think you don't give a ten out of ten the moment you do 5–6 matches well. You have to organise an important player who stays at Roma for a long time, not just passing through. In the end, it's the club that has to decide—the important thing is that they wear it as it should be worn." Totti offered candid reflections on his playing career and his only regret about remaining at Roma. He described sitting on the Olimpico steps before his final goodbye, haunted by uncertainty: "I was afraid. When you turn the page you never know what you'll find. In that moment I thought back to all 25 years with Roma, the same shirt, the people. And that I wouldn't start the following season." Had he left, he said, AC Milan would have been his choice in Italy, drawn to the club during Arrigo Sacchi's era and the spell of three Dutch players. On Roma as a city and club, his gratitude was unambiguous: "To Roma I owe everything. I've always felt protected and I still do. We did something different, something exceptional. Roma gave me the chance to realise my dream—to wear a single shirt, number 10, and to be captain."

Roma legends and media figures paid tribute to Francesco Totti in radio comments collected by Romanews.eu. Roberto Pruzzo told Radio Radio: "Totti is the living history of Roma. It seems like only yesterday that he had the desire to kick and tackle. I wish him the best." Fabrizio Aspri reflected on Totti's character beyond his technical abilities, describing a humble and kind man whose presence defined everyday life at the club. "I remember feeling unwell after his goal against Genoa," Aspri said. "The Totti I knew was an everyday Totti. He seemed like a schoolmate we could never have had. If Totti missed a game, the airport was empty. Simplicity was the most beautiful thing he had. I remember in an interview with Cassano, I asked what his dream was. Cassano said he wanted to become a champion and win the Ballon d'Or—something Totti would never win. Francesco woke up and laughing, with his usual irony, said: 'With that head you've got, you won't go anywhere.'" Andrea Pugliese, who grew up alongside Totti, described his departure as a watershed moment. "I grew up with Francesco. The most beautiful day was his farewell. I had never seen so many people cry for a footballer. For many, a cycle ended," Pugliese said on Radio Radio. The tributes underscored Totti's singular place in Roma's identity and the emotional impact his 25-year career at the club left on those who witnessed it.

Francesco Totti turned 50 on 27 September 2026, marking 50 years since his birth on the same date in 1976. In a lengthy interview with Corriere dello Sport director Ivan Zazzaroni, the Roma legend reflected on his career, his departure from the club and his thoughts on the current squad. On the failure to return to Roma in an executive role, Totti said: "It is not a sore point, no. I have always said that marriages are made by two people. I left a director's position with three years on my contract — I emphasise this because it seems I stole money. Being in the club and doing nothing mentally made me feel useless. One too many." Regarding Paulo Dybala's appointment as the wearer of his retired number 10, Totti expressed reservations about the timing. "I think you don't give a ten when a player has played five or six good matches. You have to set up an important player who stays at Roma for a long time, not just passing through. But ultimately it is the club that must decide — what matters is that they wear it as they should." On reconciliation with Luciano Spalletti, Totti said: "I did it for a laugh. I was pleased to meet him — sometimes you have to set aside what happened. I also made certain mistakes. As you grow you understand the errors." He added: "To Roma I have only to say thank you — it gave me the chance to realise my dream. To wear just one shirt, the number 10 and be captain. To the city of Rome I owe everything — I have always felt protected and I still do. We did something different, something exceptional."