Roma legend Francesco Totti bids farewell after 25 years
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Francesco Totti ended his impressive 25-year career at Roma, helping the Serie A side secure Champions League football for next season.
The 40-year old forward came off the bench in the 54th minute for his 786th and last appearance for the Italian giants as they went on to eventually beat Genoa 3-2, thanks to a 90th minute goal from Diego Perotti.
Though the victory secured a runners-up position behind champions Juventus, and a play-off position in next year’s Champions League, the day was overshadowed by the emotional farewell and potential retirement of the club captain.
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Addressing the crowd at a packed Stadio Olimpico after the game, the emotional veteran stated “Time has tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘You can no longer enjoy the smell of the grass, the sun on your face as you bear down on the opposition’s goal, the adrenaline consuming you, the joy of celebrating”.
Totti, who also won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, finishes his career as the club’s highest goalscorer with 307 goals, as well as making the second most appearances for a club in the Serie A, just behind A.C. Milan defender, Paolo Maldini.
The playmaker made his debut for the side in 1992 and went on to win the Serie A title in the 2000/2001 season, as well as the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa Italiana throughout his long career.
Numerous tributes have been paid to the one-club player from across the globe, saluting him for his loyalty to the team that sit in the heart of the Italian capital.
Former Liverpool player Steven Gerrard took to his Instagram page to say: “The king of Rome plays his last game today. A special player who deserves all the accolades that come his way. Huge respect for his loyalty to his team”.
Whilst on their Twitter page, Spanish giants Barcelona simply added: “Legend”.
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