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Totti reveals truth on Roma return: never met Friedkin, declined image role for centenary
·25 September 2026·45d ago

Totti reveals truth on Roma return: never met Friedkin, declined image role for centenary

Source: Forza Roma

Francesco Totti has disclosed in his new book *Oltre* that he received a single proposal, relayed through intermediaries rather than a direct meeting with the Friedkin Group, to serve as a figurehead for AS Roma's centenary. Totti declined the offer, stating he has never felt comfortable in such a role. "I've never been at ease in the shoes of a pretty statue, who has to smile without making an impact and nod without being able to decide," he wrote. He also discussed the matter with head coach Gasperini at a dinner some months ago, emphasizing that Roma belongs to its supporters while ownership changes hands. "I think I deserve, at minimum, the respect afforded to someone considered good company for a coffee," Totti added. For now, a return to Trigoria appears unlikely; Totti is focused on his new venture with basketball squad Maxima.

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Francesco Totti marked his 50th birthday in Las Vegas on 27 September by revealing in his new book *Oltre* that he has rejected a proposal from the Friedkin Group to take on a role connected to AS Roma's upcoming centenary. The former captain, who spent his entire career at the club from his debut in 1993 at age 16 through 786 appearances and 307 goals before departing the board in June 2019, made clear he declined involvement because he was uncomfortable serving as what he termed "a beautiful statue that doesn't make decisions." Roma News reports the contact came directly from Friedkin ownership, while Forza Roma adds that the proposal came through intermediaries rather than a direct meeting, and quotes Totti's fuller explanation: "I've never been at ease in the shoes of a pretty statue, who has to smile without making an impact and nod without being able to decide."

Head coach Gian Piero Gasperini had previously expressed openness to bringing Totti back into the club's structure, and Forza Roma reports Totti discussed the matter with Gasperini at a dinner some months ago. Totti emphasized that Roma belongs to its supporters while ownership changes hands, and stated: "I think I deserve, at minimum, the respect afforded to someone considered good company for a coffee." For now, a return to Trigoria appears unlikely, with Totti focused instead on his role as director at basketball squad Maxima Roma, though both outlets note his bond with Roma remains visceral despite their professional separation.

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Testo Originale / Source Text

“Nel suo nuovo libro "Oltre" Francesco Totti ha raccontato la verità sul possibile ritorno alla Roma nella veste di dirigente: "Mi è arrivata una sola proposta tramite intermediari - e non durante un faccia a faccia con i Friedkin che non c'è mai stato - per fare l'uomo immagine in occasione del…”

Read the full article in Italian at Forza Roma.

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