Francesco Totti is targeting a Europa League Final goal for Roma and for his 40th birthday would like to “take off 10 years.”
You can dive into our extensive tribute to the Giallorossi legend here.
This weekend he scored the last goal as a 39-year-old, his 250th in Serie A. So he wasn’t joking when he wanted to catch all-time record holder Silvio Piola on 274?
Francesco Totti is targeting a Europa League Final goal for Roma and for his 40th birthday would like to “take off 10 years.”
You can dive into our extensive tribute to the Giallorossi legend here.
This weekend he scored the last goal as a 39-year-old, his 250th in Serie A. So he wasn’t joking when he wanted to catch all-time record holder Silvio Piola on 274?
“At times I’m kidding, at times I’m not,” he told Roma TV. “But let’s say it is one of my objectives, even if I know it’s practically impossible to catch him.
“However, as I’ve always said, the main objectives are team ones: we’ll try to win them all, all together. Personal objectives must be set aside.”
What is the key to Totti’s longevity as an athlete?
“Passion is the best response, as behind passion there’s everything else, a long road that takes you to the apex and makes you want to show the whole world that football is ageless.
“If you are able to look after yourself the way I am, then age doesn’t matter. Of course then if you’re supported by a group that helps you to show your potential, you manage to look after yourself even better.
“My great fortune is that I had a quiet life and acted as a professional. Of course every now and then I had a late night out, as you only live once and fun makes you feel better on the pitch and off it.
“When you have a family that helps, you return home to see your kids and wife always happy, it gives you something extra.”
There’s another Totti waiting in the wings for Roma, as son Cristian is in the youth academy.
“On the one side I wish him all the best, because I can see how much he’s enjoying himself right now. He is in love with football and always has the ball at his feet, even off the pitch. He’s changed so much compared to two or three years ago.
“On the other hand, it’s not easy having a surname like mine on your shoulders and every time he’ll get compared to me. This honestly irritates me, because I know what can happen if he takes this on as a career.
“At times I see myself in him, even if at his age I was already a much better player. He has real margin for improvement. He mustn’t hear these things, as I am a really strict father. I am with him the way my father was with me – in his eyes, I was always the worst player of them all. I’ll tell him that too, because it’s what I was taught.
“I never thought I’d reach 40 years old and still be playing at this level, with the same club jersey, the captain’s armband and Number 10. It’s a dream I had since I was a child, but dreams don’t always come true. Mine did and I’ll enjoy it to the end.”
What is Totti’s dream goal this season?
“I hope to score in the Europa League Final.”
What gift would he give to himself for his 40th birthday?
“I’d take 10 years off. That’ll do, eh? If I think back, I think the most important and wonderful age for a player is from 30 to 35.
“My love for the Roma fans will never end, as it’ll remain within me even when I retire and anywhere I may go. They might be tired of hearing me say the same things, but it’s a message for brothers and fans, because I too am a Roma fan and I know how much I care for this club.
“When I step on to the pitch, I try to give something more for them, to make them happy. I know it’s a long week for many and when Roma win, it all seems a little easier to get through.
“I hope they can continue to see me play for a while.”