Roma captain Francesco Totti admits he could have joined Real Madrid in 2004, and discusses Iker Casillas.
The Giallorossi forward is famously a one-club man, having come up through the club’s youth system, before going on to make over 700 appearances for the Lupi.
“Roma has always been my team, all my life,” Totti told AS.
“I’ve always been a fan, and I always will be. There was a time when I seriously thought about leaving, but I decided to stay.
Roma captain Francesco Totti admits he could have joined Real Madrid in 2004, and discusses Iker Casillas.
The Giallorossi forward is famously a one-club man, having come up through the club’s youth system, before going on to make over 700 appearances for the Lupi.
“Roma has always been my team, all my life,” Totti told AS.
“I’ve always been a fan, and I always will be. There was a time when I seriously thought about leaving, but I decided to stay.
“I have no regrets, it was a decision I made [not to join Real Madrid in 2004]. There were problems at Roma, but they were resolved.
“I could have earned more money and won a lot of trophies, but it was a choice I made with my heart.
“I’m proud of my career with the club, what I’ve done and what I’m still doing. I knew it would be difficult to win the Champions League and the Ballon d’Or.
“This was my childhood dream, I’ve dreamt of wearing this shirt all my life. I don’t know if I’ll be the last to only play for one club, but it’s a big source of pride.”
Spanish international goalkeeper Iker Casillas enjoyed a similar status with Real Madrid, but has left the club this summer to join Porto.
“Unfortunately I saw what happened, and I’m so sorry. It’s a shame. He’s a great player, a great lad and an icon of Madrid. He didn’t deserve what happened.
“Is it similar to Raul? When two players who are such symbols leave, maybe it’s a problem within the club.”
Casillas held a tearful Press conference to announce his departure, but Totti doesn’t think he’ll go down the same route when the time comes to hang up his boots.
“I don’t know if I could do a Press conference,” the World Cup winner mused.
“I’m sure someone from the club will talk, or we’ll do something different.
“Will I play on? The President held a Press conference a month ago and he said it’s entirely up to me. I feel good physically and mentally, and I’m eager to play.”