On this day last year, Francesco Totti played his last-ever match for Roma as they beat Genoa to qualify for the Champions League.
The forward joined the Giallorossi youth setup in 1989, having grown up supporting his local team.
He went on to make 786 appearances, scoring 307 goals – both of which are records.
It was confirmed midway through last season that the 40-year-old wouldn’t be offered a new contract, and his final match came in front of a sold-out Olimpico in a must-win game for the Lupi.
On this day last year, Francesco Totti played his last-ever match for Roma as they beat Genoa to qualify for the Champions League.
The forward joined the Giallorossi youth setup in 1989, having grown up supporting his local team.
He went on to make 786 appearances, scoring 307 goals – both of which are records.
It was confirmed midway through last season that the 40-year-old wouldn’t be offered a new contract, and his final match came in front of a sold-out Olimpico in a must-win game for the Lupi.
Coach Luciano Spalletti opted not to start Er Pupone, something which didn’t exactly endear him to the Roma faithful.
The ‘King of Rome’ did come off the bench though, helping his side to a 3-2 which ensured direct qualification to the Champions League group stages.
Emotional scenes greeted the final whistle, with a tearful Totti embraced by his family before reading out a pre-prepared speech.
“We’re here, the moment has arrived. Unfortunately, the moment has arrived that I hoped would never come,” Totti told the crowd.
“I asked myself over these months why I am waking up from this dream. You know when you’re a child, and you’re dreaming something wonderful until your mother wakes you up to go to school? You try to get back to sleep, but will never be back in that same dream. The spell is broken.
“This time it wasn’t a dream, it was reality. I want to dedicate this letter to all the children who cheered me on, to those who perhaps grew up with me and became fathers.
“I like to think of my career as a fairy-tale to tell… and this is the worst part. Now it really is over. I take off my shirt for the last time. I will fold it nicely, even if I have to admit I’m not ready to say it’s over and maybe I never will be.
“Sorry if during this period I didn’t give interviews or clarified my thoughts, but it’s not easy to switch that light off. Now I am afraid. It’s not the same fear you have in front of the goal when you need to score a penalty. This time I cannot see through the holes in the net what lies beyond.
“So allow me to be a little afraid. This time I am the one who needs you and your warmth. What you’ve always shown me. With your affection, I will certainly be able to turn the page and throw myself into a new adventure.
“Being born Roman and Romanisti is a privilege. Being captain of this team was an honour. You are and always will be in my life. I might not be able to have fun with my feet any more, but my heart will always be with you.
“Now I walk down those stairs, enter the locker room that welcomed me when I was a child and I leave now that I am a man.”
Totti has since taken up a role as a director, working closely with sporting director Monchi.