Inter Coach Roberto Mancini claims Roma captain Francesco Totti deserves a renewal: 'He must remain the club's symbol'.
The number 10, who is in talks to renew his contract with the Giallorossi, played what may have been his last game at the Stadio Olimpico yesterday, inclusive of an outstanding assist.
“He made so many assists that it's hard to focus on a single one,” Mancini told Il Messaggero. “What he's doing now, at his age, belongs only to a great champion. He can play even when he's standing still.
Inter Coach Roberto Mancini claims Roma captain Francesco Totti deserves a renewal: 'He must remain the club's symbol'.
The number 10, who is in talks to renew his contract with the Giallorossi, played what may have been his last game at the Stadio Olimpico yesterday, inclusive of an outstanding assist.
“He made so many assists that it's hard to focus on a single one,” Mancini told Il Messaggero. “What he's doing now, at his age, belongs only to a great champion. He can play even when he's standing still.
“Even 10 years from now, Totti will still have the same technical qualities. What he accomplished belongs to a champion in a whole different category.
“I had the privilege of playing against him, even though he was very young. As I always said ever since his debut, he is certainly the player who most resembles me for quality, movement, technical touches, and for his rapid intuition of the development of the game.
“I'm very happy that Totti can still make the difference in Serie A. In my team, I'd have fielded Totti first, and then the other 10.”
Mancini was then asked about the Roma captain's contract, which may not be renewed for another season.
“I think it's only right and fair that he should play another year. He gave all of his life to the Giallorossi colours. I don't know the specifics of the situation, but we're talking about a player that could have left at any moment.
“He could have played in the world's greatest clubs, but he stayed all his life with Roma. I think he must remain the symbol of the team.”