Former Roma captain Francesco Totti revealed he ‘never talked’ to Barcelona, but stressed Real Madrid ‘would have done anything’ to bring him to Spain.
The Giallorossi legend spoke to Catalan newspaper Sport and talked about various topics, including the rumours of a move to Barcelona during his career.
He was linked with a host of European giants during his career but decided to remain in the Italian capital until he retired at 39 in May 2017.
The World Cup winner admitted it would have been ‘nice to play’ for Barcelona, but stressed the Catalans never contacted him.
“No, honestly, during my career, I never talked to Barcelona about a transfer to Catalonia,” Totti revealed. “Real Madrid, on the contrary, would have done anything.
“I’m also sorry because Barcelona are a great team to watch, and it would have been nice to play there. In another world, let’s see if Barcelona will come forward.”
Totti won the Scudetto in 2000-01 with La Lupa and picked up two Coppa Italia during his career, but never managed to win the Champions League.
“For me, staying in Rome was the best choice,” Totti said. “It’s true that at some point in my career, I was close to signing for Real. But I decided with my heart.
“It’s normal that when you play in certain teams like Roma, unlike Real Madrid, you have less chance of winning a Champions League. But Roma were my champions.”
Xavi has recently been appointed as the new head coach at Barcelona, replacing Ronald Koeman after a difficult spell for the Blaugrana.
Totti believes he will bring the club back to the top and praised the former midfielder.
“The situation is a bit particular,” Totti said. “Even from the outside, we saw Barcelona win every game with a goal difference of three or four.
“Now, there have been changes, there’s a real revolution. It won’t be easy, but I’m sure the club will return to very high levels.
“If he [Xavi] coaches like he played, I don’t think there will be any problems. In this team there are great young players, who will have a rosy future.”
I know he’s only responding to a question but I feel like he brings up rejecting Madrid to stay at Roma every couple of months…for the last 10 years.