← All stories
Totti on his 50th birthday: right not to return to playing, would have disappointed millions of fans
·28 September 2026·45d ago

Totti on his 50th birthday: right not to return to playing, would have disappointed millions of fans

Source: Roma News

Francesco Totti marked his 50th birthday on 27 September with a letter published in Il Messaggero, reflecting on a lifetime devoted to AS Roma and the realisation of a childhood dream. Writing from abroad, Totti recalled playing as a child with his brother Riccardo at the Terme di Caracalla, his journey from boy to man in giallorosso, and his captaincy of the club. "I'm satisfied," he wrote. "I fulfilled a dream, my dream, that of a Roman who managed to play only in his city's team, wearing the captain's armband."

A central passage addressed his decision not to return to playing. A couple of years ago, Totti explained, he turned down the chance to come back on the pitch. "I was tempted, I admit it, but then the bond with my city, my squad and my people made me say no. And I think in the end I made the right choice. I would perhaps have been selfish, made Francesco happy but disappointed millions of fans." The letter balanced reflection on his achievements—a World Cup in 2006 and, more significantly to him, the Serie A title with Roma in 2001—with personal touches. He joked about his age: "When I blew out the candles for my 50th, I said to myself: Is it really true? To be honest, I don't feel it. Maybe it's because I keep myself in shape with padel and some five-a-side. In my head, though, I always have half, 25." Totti spoke warmly of his three children and noted that passing a mural of himself on via Sibari near the Romulea pitch in Porta Metronia—the neighbourhood of his birth—never fails to move him. "It's a feeling you can't explain. You can only live it. As a Roman and a Romanista."

● AI Generated Summary

This summary was generated by an AI model. Always read the source for complete and accurate information.

Story Coverage5 sources on this story

Francesco Totti marked his 50th birthday on 27 September with widespread tributes across Italian media and from figures in world football. In a letter to Il Messaggero, the Roma legend reflected on a lifetime devoted to the club, recalling his childhood playing with his brother at the Terme di Caracalla and his journey from boy to man in giallorosso. Totti expressed satisfaction with his achievements, particularly the 2001 Serie A title with Roma and the 2006 World Cup with Italy. He addressed his decision not to return to playing, explaining that although tempted a couple of years ago, he ultimately declined. "I would perhaps have been selfish, made Francesco happy but disappointed millions of fans," he wrote. The letter balanced reflection with personal touches, including jokes about his age—"In my head, I always have half, 25"—and the emotional experience of passing a mural of himself near the Romulea pitch in his birthplace, Porta Metronia.

The milestone sparked celebrations across Rome. Two new murals were unveiled by artists Harry Grab and Alessandra Francesca Coppola (Sagomato66) to honour Totti's birthday. FIFA president Gianni Infantino also sent congratulations, describing Totti as a symbol of Roma and Italy, and emphasizing his role in the 2006 World Cup triumph. However, Corriere dello Sport adds that in an extended interview with director Ivan Zazzaroni, Totti expressed a more conflicted stance, admitting he would give "everything" to play again and revealing that AC Milan would have been his choice had he ever left Roma. On a potential return to the club, Totti maintained a firm condition: he would only come back if given a concrete role with genuine impact, stating that being at the club "doing nothing" would render him "useless."

Vincent Candela, Totti's former Roma teammate and close friend, offered his own tribute, reflecting on three decades of friendship and recalling shared moments including the Scudetto victory against Parma. Candela described Totti as a leader of few words who observed everything and demanded the ball in difficult moments. The French defender expressed hope that Totti might return to Roma in an official capacity, particularly for the club's centenary, adding that such a move would be "beautiful" for Totti, the club, and the fans.

AI synthesis of all sources below — always check the originals.

Testo Originale / Source Text

“Cinquant’anni, una vita legata alla Roma e la consapevolezza di aver realizzato il sogno che aveva fin da bambino. All’indomani del suo compleanno, Francesco Totti ha affidato alle pagine de Il Messaggero una lunga lettera nella quale ha ripercorso alcuni dei momenti più importanti della sua vita.…”

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

Read original on Roma News →

More Club News

Roma's January plans take shape: UEFA ruling delayed, Dovbyk could return, Lookman and Kvernadze on the radar
Transfer NewsSquad News● AI
1h ago

Roma's January plans take shape: UEFA ruling delayed, Dovbyk could return, Lookman and Kvernadze on the radar

Roma are using the international break to take stock of the transfer market and the club's finances, with the UEFA verdict on financial fair play now postponed to May. The decision on the settlement agreement will arrive in spring 2027 rather than November, but the delay does not free Roma from their economic constraints: the club must continue to respect UEFA parameters in the winter window too. Gasperini and D'Amico are waiting for direction from the ownership. In attack, Paulo Dybala is nearing a return from injury, reopening the Dovbyk question. Gasperini faces a delicate choice: during Dybala's absence, Matías Soulé has become increasingly influential playing on the right, the position Dybala prefers. Among the possible solutions is moving the number 21 to the opposite flank, a tactical dilemma ahead of the match against Parma. Meanwhile, Bologna are reportedly considering terminating Artem Dovbyk's loan early in January, after just five appearances and one league goal. According to Moretto, a return to Trigoria would not be automatic and would require agreement between the clubs and the player, unless specific clauses apply. The summit to plan January is approaching, but according to Il Tempo, the American ownership is not expected to travel to the Capital. The talks could therefore involve chief executive John Galantic above all. The key issue remains the budget available for reinforcements, with Gasperini and D'Amico awaiting answers. On other targets, Endrick is a Real Madrid player whom Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's head coach, wants to see in more regular action, while Mourinho continues to oppose his departure. The player's entourage has denied a reported Milan refusal on religious grounds. Roma remain interested in a loan, but the deal cannot progress without Real Madrid's approval. Roma continue to monitor Lookman, who has been used less and less at Atlético Madrid. According to Mundo Deportivo, Simeone is unlikely to accept a sale without a worthy replacement, and the move remains complicated. Gasperini would gladly reunite with the Nigerian, a key figure in the 2024 Europa League triumph. Gasperini is also pushing for Frosinone winger Kvernadze, who has scored three goals and provided four assists in the first eleven matchdays. According to La Gazzetta, Roma could move as early as January rather than waiting for the summer, but Frosinone are preparing a significant salary increase to keep the Georgian. Elsewhere, Jorge Mendes is reportedly seeking a formula to facilitate a move for Barcelona full-back Balde, a Roma target, according to Sport. Roma would prefer a loan, while Barcelona want to recoup a fee, and the possible breakthrough could come in the final days of January. Off the pitch, Roma are accelerating plans for the new stadium. The club aims to deliver the executive project before Christmas, as announced by Lucia Bernabé, the club's head of institutional relations, speaking at the Social Football Summit. The goal is to advance through the process for the new venue following its recognition of public utility.

GialloRossi.netRead original →
Baldini praises Lulli's rapid rise with Italy Under-21s
Squad NewsClub News● AI
4h ago

Baldini praises Lulli's rapid rise with Italy Under-21s

Roma defender Emanuele Lulli has been one of the most pleasant surprises of the season, and Italy Under-21 coach Silvio Baldini has admitted he did not expect such a quick rise. Lulli earned his call-up to the Under-21 side after producing convincing performances when Gian Piero Gasperini called on him at Roma. On the eve of Italy's match against France, scheduled for tomorrow at 18:30, Baldini spoke specifically about the Roma full-back and his development. Baldini said: "I did not expect Lulli to explode so quickly, but he is a boy we have always monitored closely." The Italy coach also spoke about the spirit within the Under-21 group. Baldini said: "Here we are a family. When I see these boys I feel particular emotions. They are special because they can tell the professionalism required on the pitch from the fun off it. There are rules, but the most important is the one about cheerfulness: I want to see them smile, joke and get on well together. For me they are a divine gift."

Roma's 1,500 away tickets for PSG sell out in three hours
EuropeClub News● AI
4h ago

Roma's 1,500 away tickets for PSG sell out in three hours

Roma's allocation of 1,500 tickets for the away sector at Paris Saint-Germain sold out within three hours of the sale opening. Several fans were left in the queue without managing to secure a ticket. The Parc des Princes away sector can hold more than 2,300 supporters, but the capacity has been reduced at the request of the French police for public order reasons. Security is on maximum alert for the trip because of the friendship between PSG's ultras and those of Napoli. Roma face Luis Enrique's side on 25 November at 21:00.

Feedback