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Totti reveals he recommended Castro to Gasperini at March dinner
·27 September 2026·45d ago

Totti reveals he recommended Castro to Gasperini at March dinner

Source: Roma News

Francesco Totti, who turns 50 today, has disclosed in his new book Oltre that he personally recommended Santiago Castro to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini during a dinner in March. Castro, the Argentine forward who arrived this summer for €35 million from Bologna, was one of three players Totti suggested to Gasperini at that meeting.

Totti told Gasperini: "I recommended an attacker to you, Castro, a winger and a midfielder." Gasperini's response was positive on the forward, saying: "Castro I really like too, I think we see football the same way." The coach also noted concerns about one of the other suggestions, saying: "The winger costs a lot, I hadn't thought about the midfielder and it wouldn't be a bad idea."

The book also covers other moments from Totti's life, including a clash with Spalletti, the beginning of his relationship with Noemi, and the possibility of a return to Roma.

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Story Coverage2 sources on this story

Francesco Totti marked his 50th birthday on 27 September with reflections on his legendary Roma career and a striking revelation about the club's recent recruitment strategy. In his new book *Oltre* and associated interviews, Totti spoke of his debt to Roma for allowing him to realise his dream of wearing a single shirt and the number 10 as captain. He emphasised that the historic number should pass only to a player capable of staying at the club long-term rather than a temporary figure. Most notably, Totti disclosed that he had personally recommended Santiago Castro to head coach Gian Piero Gasperini during a dinner meeting in March. Castro, the Argentine forward who arrived this summer from Bologna, was one of three players—alongside a winger and midfielder—that Totti suggested to Gasperini that evening. Gasperini responded positively to the Castro proposal, telling Totti: "Castro appeals to me greatly; I think we see football in the same way," whilst expressing reservations about the winger's cost and the midfielder option.

Former teammates paid tribute to Totti on his milestone birthday. Fabrizio Aspri, speaking on Radio Radio, reflected warmly on Totti's character and simplicity, describing him as kind and good, and noting the profound impact his presence had on Roma and its supporters.

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

Testo Originale / Source Text

“Nel suo nuovo libro Oltre, Francesco Totti, che oggi, 27 settembre, compie 50 anni, racconta diversi momenti della sua vita privata: dalla lite con Spalletti alla nascita della relazione con Noemi, fino al possibile ritorno alla Roma. In uno dei passaggi più curiosi, l’ex capitano parla anche di…”

Read the full article in Italian at Roma News.

Read original on Roma News →

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