Roma and Italy icon Francesco Totti has hinted at a spectacular return to football at the age of 48.
The 2006 World Cup winner retired from football in 2017, having spent his entire 23-year career at the Serie A giants, but has now refused to rule out reviving his playing career.
Totti bid an emotional farewell to football over seven years agoGetty Images – Getty
According to Italian sports publication Gazzetta dello Sport, Totti spoke in a ‘serious tone’ about at a possible comeback at a recent event organised by gambling company Betsson.
The media outlet quoted the 48-year-old as saying: “There were Serie A teams that called me.
“I admit that they made me think a little, a little crazy. It would be difficult, but in life you never say never. There are players who have played many years after the end of their career.”
Totti did admit, however, that a return after seven years away from the sport would require proper preparation.
He added: “It also depends on where you play, with all due respect, but if I were to return to Serie A I would have to train really well.”
Despite this, he remained confident that he still possesses the quality to make an impact in Italy’s top-flight.
The Italian reportedly said: “With the level of today’s Serie A I could easily have my say on the pitch.”
Since hanging up his boots, Totti has remained involved in the game, continuing to play for his own team Totti Sporting Club, and also featured in the 2023 instalment of Soccer Aid, lining up for the World XI.
He cited this as a reason as to why it would only take him two to three months to be ready for Serie A.
Unsurprisingly however, there was one Italian club which he categorically ruled out representing should he make a sensational comeback.
Totti scored in a title-deciding clash against Parma which saw Roma lift the 2001 Serie A titleAFP
GettySince retiring from football, he has taken to the pitch on numerous occasions, and took part in the 2023 ‘world super-footballer games’ in Wuhan, China[/caption]
Totti quipped: “Lazio? I wouldn’t have even considered it.”
He continued: “I’d be ready in two to three months. I’m still playing at 48. Half an hour, twenty minutes. If I had to do something crazy, I’d do it in Italy, not abroad, but it’s crazy.”
A club legend, Totti is both Roma‘s all-time record appearance holder and highest ever goalscorer, scoring 307 times in 786 games.
He bid an emotional farewell to his beloved Giallorossi in front of over 70,000 fans at the Stadio Olimpico in May 2017.
However, Totti has now appeared to hint at having unfinished business with his former employers in his latest interview.
The 58-cap former Italy international said: “When you turn the page you never know what awaits you.
“It wasn’t my choice, but in that moment it has to be experienced differently from the context.
“Maybe that’s also why I’ve had that thing inside me. It’s true that there’s a beginning and an end to everything. I didn’t want it and so that window remained open.”
Totti scored nine goals in 58 international games for ItalyGetty
Totti even suggested that Serie A is currently missing a playmaker of his ilk, adding: “A 10 in Italy? There isn’t one, he could come back.”
An unlikely return to the sport would surely be welcomed by fans around the world.
Totti’s achievements during a one-club career with boyhood side have made him a popular figure in the footballing world.
He is arguably the greatest player in Roma’s history, having won Serie A once and the Coppa Italia twice, as well as lifting the 2006 World Cup with Italy.
The former club captain ranks second in the Serie A all-time goalscoring chart, having found the net 250 times, with only the late Silvio Piola having scored more.
