Totti on Friedkins and His Future with Roma: 'If They Need Me...'

Francesco Totti introduced his latest book, Oltre, in an event attended by Vincent Candela, Max Biagi, Noemi Bocchi, his children, and Gian Piero Gasperini. Speaking from the Teatro Brancaccio stage, Totti reflected on five decades filled with love given and received, especially from his family and fans.

"Over these 50 years, I have given and received so much love, especially from my family, my children, and the people. It was a simple, beautiful, transparent give and take. I was doing a job I've always wanted, a passion of mine, and something I enjoy," he said.

The former Roma captain shared how deeply connected he felt during his playing days, describing football as true love and explaining that expressing those feelings was not easy but sincere.

"I tried to give and convey what I felt when I played football. For me, this was true love; it’s not easy to transform what you think. In those moments, I was sure of myself, and I hope that the love I had inside reached people."

Farewell to Football Came Sooner Than Expected

Totti opened up about his departure from professional football, describing it as forced and painful. He wasn’t prepared for it and felt like he lost a part of himself abruptly.

"I'm dead, from a certain point of view. It was a forced moment, a forced farewell. One that I didn’t want and didn’t feel. I knew that sooner or later it had to happen, because everything has a beginning and an end. But for me, it was painful in this case, different from how I had thought."

He explained how the nature of football means players are valued only while useful, a harsh reality he disagreed with but accepted.

"When you're useful, you're useful; when you're not, you're no longer useful. It’s a wrong way of thinking, but unfortunately, it’s the truth."

After retiring, Totti admitted feeling lost and scared as his daily routine changed suddenly.

"I miss those 2-3 things I was used to doing every day. If you take the ground from under us, we start to wobble. Since it wasn’t my will, but it was all in a rush and suddenly, seeing as I was the last to know about it, I reluctantly accepted. I’m scared. I didn’t know what I would find by turning the page, what I wanted."

He revealed his tendency to withdraw inwardly and ponder the past 25 years, questioning if he’d made mistakes or misjudged situations.

"Dead is a heavy word, but when a 25-year journey and such an important history with a single shirt ends… I said I’m scared."

Gasperini Praises Roma’s Return to Champions League

During the evening, coach Gian Piero Gasperini joined via video call, earning applause from the crowd. Totti thanked him for restoring Roma’s place in the Champions League.

"This is thanks to you, for giving us the chance to relive those magical nights that Roma deserves to see and play in. Roma deserves that stage, and thanks to you for bringing us back there."

Gasperini expressed his regret at not attending in person but shared his admiration for the passionate atmosphere at the stadium during their recent match against Real Madrid.

"The most beautiful spectacle the other night was the stadium. It was a great match, but seeing so much enthusiasm in this city was truly moving."

Totti Considers Watching Roma vs. Slovan Bratislava

When asked if he planned to attend Roma’s next game against Slovan Bratislava, Totti responded casually:

"Okay, if I find tickets, I’ll come."

Asked about the team’s chances for the Scudetto, the legendary number 10 toned down expectations, focusing instead on the immediate challenges ahead.

"Let’s focus on tomorrow."

On His Relationship with the Friedkin Ownership

Talk of a potential return to Roma has swirled for years, but Totti openly discussed his differences with the club's owners.

"Usually, when you meet, it’s a two-way meeting, not a one-on-one. In seven or eight years, it’s never happened. You can see that the other side doesn’t have the same thoughts, the same ideas. They have different ideas about life, thought, and work. But that’s the way it should be, I’m happy to accept it."

He stressed that cooperation requires shared vision, and without that, progress is unlikely.

"Either we do things together, or we don’t do them at all. If the other side isn’t willing or doesn’t have the same thoughts as me, let’s stop here. We don’t have to go any further, it seems like the right thing to do."

Although the door remains closed for now, Totti still holds affection for Roma and wishes success for the Friedkins.

"I hope the Friedkins go as far as possible. I’m behind the scenes, but I’m always there for Roma."