Francesco Totti admits “I could have won more trophies elsewhere” but “my greatest triumph is my loyalty to Roma”.
The 40-year-old made his debut for the Giallorossi in March 1993, and has gone on to make 782 appearances for his boyhood club.
However, ‘Er Pupone’ has just one Scudetto and two Coppa Italia to show for his efforts, but he insists he has no regrets.
“My debut? It was a dream come true,” Totti explained to Marca.
Francesco Totti admits “I could have won more trophies elsewhere” but “my greatest triumph is my loyalty to Roma”.
The 40-year-old made his debut for the Giallorossi in March 1993, and has gone on to make 782 appearances for his boyhood club.
However, ‘Er Pupone’ has just one Scudetto and two Coppa Italia to show for his efforts, but he insists he has no regrets.
“My debut? It was a dream come true,” Totti explained to Marca.
“[Coach Vujadin] Boskov made a change and I couldn’t believe I was the one he chose. For a Roma fan, debuting for the first team is the ultimate.
“As for being captain, it means embodying the dream of many children. It’s an enormous responsibility. As I child I had one dream: to wear the shirt of the club I loved. I’ve never betrayed that idea.
“Rome is the most beautiful city in the world, it can always surprise you with a lane, a corner, a detail. As a Roman and a Roma fan it’s an honour to finish my career here.
“I definitely could have won more trophies elsewhere, but my greatest triumph is my loyalty to Roma.”
Totti was also asked how the game has changed since he made his professional debut.
“The rhythms are different and the intensity has increased. The physical aspect has gained ground on the technical one, but I must saw it was a natural progression for me.
“The experience I’ve gained over the years has helped me a lot.
“The language of football is universal, but I think the physical aspect has become dominant in the last 10 years. Before it was easier to use your technique to get out of trouble.
“The number 10 probably doesn’t occupy the pitch in the same way as before, and tactics have changed. I think though that players should be able to interpret their roles and find new solutions.”
As well as winning the Scudetto in 2001, the Giallorossi captain won the World Cup in 2006, which brought the greater emotion?
“They’re different emotions,” Totti replied.
“Of course, for a Roman to win the title in the Roma shirt is an indescribable feeling, but also the World Cup is one of the biggest victories of my career.
“I still have good friends who were in that team in Berlin.”
Totti was also asked about the best English player he faced, and perhaps unsurprisingly named another club stalwart.
“Steven Gerrard. A champion and an example.”