Francesco Totti, the legendary Roma figure, has revealed details about his potential return to professional football after receiving offers to play in Serie A at the age of 48.
In his new autobiography, “Oltre,” written with journalist Alessandro Alciato, Totti explained that he received a serious proposal from Genoa before Como also showed interest in bringing him back to the Italian top flight.
Despite moving closer to a potential comeback, Totti ultimately decided against returning to Serie A.
Totti: I Said No to Genoa and Como
Totti explained that he rejected the offers, saying: “I said no to Serie A, I said no to Genoa, and I said no to Como. I was 48 years old.”
According to Totti’s account, Genoa officials were the first to make contact and spoke directly with him about the possibility of taking on a new challenge in his career.
Alberto Gilardino was Genoa’s coach at the time, and Totti revealed that the Italian manager sent him messages through WhatsApp to find out whether he would accept the opportunity to return.
Totti Started Preparing for a Comeback
Totti said he had already begun serious physical preparations in case he decided to return to competitive football.
He added extra gym sessions to his routine, worked with a physiotherapist, and paid close attention to his diet as he considered the possibility of playing again.
Como, who were coached by former Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fabregas at the time, also expressed interest in signing him.
Why Did Totti Reject a Return to Serie A?
Totti explained that his decision was not primarily about his age or physical condition. He felt that his body was still capable of competing.
The decisive issue, however, was emotional. Totti could not imagine himself wearing a shirt other than Roma’s after spending his entire professional career with the club.
He explained that the question constantly running through his mind was: “Can I play for a team other than Roma?”
In the end, his emotional connection to Roma determined his decision and ended the possibility of a comeback.
Totti: The Foot Does Not Get Older
The Roma legend also addressed the impact of age on footballers, noting that players naturally become slower over time but suggesting that technical ability does not necessarily disappear in the same way.
Totti said that a player becomes slower as the years pass, but “the foot does not get older,” reflecting his belief that he could still contribute on the pitch.
Nevertheless, his extraordinary connection with Roma ultimately led him to reject the possibility of playing for another Italian club.
Totti's Roma Career
Francesco Totti officially retired from football in 2017 after spending 25 years with Roma.
His long association with the club made him one of the most recognizable figures in its history, and that relationship played a central role in his decision not to return to professional football with another team.
Did Francesco Totti receive offers to return to football?
Yes. Totti revealed that he received offers from Genoa and Como to return to Serie A when he was 48.
Why did Totti reject Genoa and Como?
He explained that his emotional connection with Roma was decisive, as he could not imagine playing for another Italian club.
Did Totti prepare for a possible comeback?
Yes. He said he increased his gym work, trained with a physiotherapist, and paid attention to his diet while considering a return.
When did Francesco Totti retire from football?
Totti officially retired in 2017 after a 25-year professional career with Roma.
