Francesco Totti reflected on his most important coaches in his career, how things came to an end with Roma and his willingness to return in a backroom role one day.
The former forward famously spent the entirety of his 24-year playing career with the Giallorossi from 1993 to 2017, scoring 307 goals and providing 208 assists in 783 matches across all competitions.
A figure of royalty amongst Roma fans, many have called for Totti to return to the club in a management role in recent years. Coach Jose Mourinho has also hinted to this, but so far the former forward has remained on the sidelines.
Speaking to Corriere della Sera via TMW, Totti then discussed his most important coaches and his special relationship with now Italy coach Luciano Spalletti.
“First Mazzone, who I remember with great affection. Then Zeman and the first Spalletti. I have to say it. It’s the truth. If I met him, I would greet him with affection, it would make me happy.
“I believe that there is a deep bond between us. Also, because what we went through together, when he arrived from Udine, is for me, in my life, something unrepeatable. Both on the pitch and in everyday life.
“In the final phase our relationship was conditioned from the outside, especially by the team’s managers or consultants, and we no longer understood each other.
“I too made mistakes, God forbid. I believe that both of us, if we went back, would no longer come into conflict.”
He had high praise for the new Azzurri boss, believing he could take the national team to glory.
“He is one of the best coaches in Italy, if not the best. The team knows how to be on the pitch, you can see that they are playing more freely, that they are having fun.
“The results will come, however, it’s a difficult phase for Italian football. I only hope that we will be able to qualify for the European Championships and the World Cup.”
The former forward reflected on how his 24-year run with Roma came to an end in 2017.
“I spent thirty years at Roma. I showed respect to everyone, gave up other jobs without making it a burden.
“I said no to Real Madrid and others because I wanted that shirt, only that Giallorossi shirt that is printed inside me.
“The way my story with Roma ended, yes, I was sorry. The truth is that when you are no longer needed in football there is no longer any respect.
“If Maldini, Del Piero, Baggio, I are out of football, it’ll mean something.”
Finally, Totti discussed the idea of returning to Roma in a backroom role.
“Of course, with a defined role, I would like it, for the reasons I said before. And I would like it with Mourinho, he is number one, I respect him a lot.
“I regret not having been coached by him in my career. But not I want to go back on that. I don’t want to ask.
“At Roma they know that if they need me, for serious things, I’m happy to lend a hand. Otherwise, friends as before.”
Respect from Lazio.