Totti: ‘Roma won’t compete for top four’

Francesco Totti revealed he has chosen his new role, “which nobody knows about, but you will soon,” and urged Roma to further reinforce the squad. "I hope I'm wrong, but…"

The former captain walked out on the club this summer after complaining he was marginalised by consultant Franco Baldini, anticipating the imminent exit of Daniele De Rossi.

“I will go out to Argentina to deal with a few things and while there I will meet with De Rossi,” Totti told Radio Radio about the Boca Juniors hero.

Francesco Totti revealed he has chosen his new role, “which nobody knows about, but you will soon,” and urged Roma to further reinforce the squad. "I hope I'm wrong, but…"

The former captain walked out on the club this summer after complaining he was marginalised by consultant Franco Baldini, anticipating the imminent exit of Daniele De Rossi.

“I will go out to Argentina to deal with a few things and while there I will meet with De Rossi,” Totti told Radio Radio about the Boca Juniors hero.

“I was pleased that the doors were open for me to work with the Italy squad, as I spoke to Roberto Mancini and Gabriele Gravina. However, at this moment, I have other projects that I would like to focus on.

“I said in that Press conference that I had three or four proposals in Italy and Europe, but I needed time to consider. Now I have reflected on the situation and will certainly take on a new route that nobody knows about, but you will soon. It is still within the world of football.”

Meanwhile, the Derby della Capitale is on Sunday and Totti intends to be in the stands of the Stadio Olimpico.

“I could be there this weekend for the Rome Derby, it’s still touch and go, but more likely yes than no. Simone Inzaghi has put together an excellent Lazio, even if Roma are stronger on paper. They are to be feared.

“This is certainly a different type of season for me, as watching Roma play on television on Sunday made me think.  It’s my decision and I continue to stand by it, but as a fan I hope the club can do something more in the final few days of the transfer window to ensure Roma can at least compete for a place in the Champions League.

“I hope that I’m wrong, but when you’ve been in football for 30 years, you have a good eye. I think many fans like me hope to see a great Roma that can get back into the Champions League and hope the club is working in that direction.

“I still maintain Juventus are the team to beat this season, as they are strong both as a team and a club, but this year Inter and Napoli reinforced and I see a different type of campaign.

“I think the top three are already decided, then anything can happen after that. Unfortunately, Roma can only hope to fight for fourth place. That is the reality of the situation, seeing what happened in pre-season.

“Napoli and Inter can trouble Juve to the end, but we all know that when they need to step on the gas, Juve do it all the way.”