Roma icon Francesco Totti has accepted the Exceptional Achievement Award at the Laureus World Sport Awards. “I didn’t expect this.”
Totti spent his entire career with his hometown club and hung up his boots at the age of 40 in May 2017.
The ceremony was held in Montecarlo today, hosted by actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
“I am feeling quite emotional about this, as I didn’t expect to be picking up this award,” said Totti from the stage.
Roma icon Francesco Totti has accepted the Exceptional Achievement Award at the Laureus World Sport Awards. “I didn’t expect this.”
Totti spent his entire career with his hometown club and hung up his boots at the age of 40 in May 2017.
The ceremony was held in Montecarlo today, hosted by actor Benedict Cumberbatch.
“I am feeling quite emotional about this, as I didn’t expect to be picking up this award,” said Totti from the stage.
“I am happy to have spent 25 years of my career with Roma. I also had happy moments in the Nazionale. I tried to give all of myself at all times.
"I thank everyone for this lovely evening and hope to help you again in future, to help people less fortunate than ourselves.”
The awards are “dedicated to changing the lives of disadvantaged children through sport and celebrating the achievements of the world’s greatest sportspeople.”
Totti also spoke to Sky Sport Italia after picking up the award.
“It’s an international recognition that I accept with open arms. Evidently in these 25 years, I managed to do something important.
“The greatest reward for me is spending my entire career with one club, wearing one jersey, the desire I had since I was a child. I did everything with love.
“It does make you suffer, watching from the stands, as you have no possibility of helping. It’s all more difficult and a whole other mentality. You think of many things that you could do, but cannot.”
Does that mean Totti is thinking about a career as a Coach?
“No. Besides, Gennaro Gattuso advised me against it!”
You can read our extensive tribute to Francesco Totti's career and celebration of his 40th birthday.
There's only one @totti! #Laureus18 pic.twitter.com/8bP309XdBf
— #Laureus18 (@LaureusSport) February 27, 2018