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'Insulted' Francesco Totti insists he's staying at Roma
The Giallorossi skipper admits that he was stung by criticism from his own supporters but he has no intention of leaving his hometown club
15 Dec 2011 22:54:00
By Mark Doyle
Getty Images
Francesco Totti has moved to reassure Roma fans by stating that he has no intention of leaving the Italian capital.
The former Italy international revealed on Wednesday he was considering turning his back on his hometown club because of criticism from the press and certain sections of the Stadio Olimpico crowd.
However, Totti, speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash with Napoli, insists he is going nowhere.
"I can confirm that I have been insulted on the street, [by people] who were not fans of Lazio, but I can calm the situation: I will stay at Roma,” the Giallorossi captain told Sky Sport Italia.
Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini also dismissed the possibility of Totti ever leaving Roma.
“I like it when a player tells everyone how he feels,” he claimed.
“He’s a spontaneous kind of guy, he was hurt but the criticism will spur him on. I’m almost pleased.
“Totti will never leave Roma, he is Roma, and we want him to stay with us for life. Once he ends his playing career then he will take up a director’s role with us.”
Totti, who missed a penalty in Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Juventus, made his Roma debut as a 16-year-old in 1992 and has now made 481 appearances for the Giallorossi.
The former Italy international revealed on Wednesday he was considering turning his back on his hometown club because of criticism from the press and certain sections of the Stadio Olimpico crowd.
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However, Totti, speaking ahead of this weekend’s clash with Napoli, insists he is going nowhere.
"I can confirm that I have been insulted on the street, [by people] who were not fans of Lazio, but I can calm the situation: I will stay at Roma,” the Giallorossi captain told Sky Sport Italia.
Roma sporting director Walter Sabatini also dismissed the possibility of Totti ever leaving Roma.
“I like it when a player tells everyone how he feels,” he claimed.
“He’s a spontaneous kind of guy, he was hurt but the criticism will spur him on. I’m almost pleased.
“Totti will never leave Roma, he is Roma, and we want him to stay with us for life. Once he ends his playing career then he will take up a director’s role with us.”
Totti, who missed a penalty in Monday night’s 1-1 draw with Juventus, made his Roma debut as a 16-year-old in 1992 and has now made 481 appearances for the Giallorossi.
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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