Have you ever heard the expression "No player can be more than a club"? And can one player be equal to the club? Example Francesco Totti proves that he can, because when we hear "Roma" - think about Totti, hear "Totti" - think about Roma. And can it be otherwise when it comes to a man who has been in favor of Roma for 25 years? Many modern fans were not born yet, and Cesko was already running around the field for Volkov.
The future captain of Roma at that time probably compared himself to Pietro Mennea, an outstanding Italian sprinter, winner of the 200th Olympiad-1980. "When I was a kid, the boys and I asked the one who ran the fastest:" What are you, Mennea? "After all, in those days, Pietro Mennea was for us the standard of speed," - recalls Cesco.
There was a moment because of which Totti might not become a football player: "At 13 I looked like some dwarf who ate, ate and could not grow. I was always with doctors who called me gnome. And suddenly I grew up. So it happened, and I think it happened according to God's will. As a child, I went to church school, and I still pray. I read "Our Father" and "Ave Maria".
It seems incredible that one player spent such a long career in one club, but Totti does not regret anything: "Some say that I'm limited because I never changed a team. Actually, it's been my dream since childhood. In Roma, I have everything, I like. Yes, there are not so many trophies, but it was my conscious choice ".
The devotion of the Emperor to Rome really amazes: "I would play for Roma, even if she flew to the fourth division. I can not imagine myself in another T-shirt ".
In Rome, Totti became a living icon for a long time, but he did not allow himself to be placed above the club: "It's normal that I feel like an important player. But everyone is equal. I should not pay more attention, because I'm Totti, Roman and captain Roma ". Such a position will not seem so surprising, because only one team is the key to success, according to Francesco: "We will work together, we need to be a cohesive team - this is the only way to achieve something".
Yes, speaking in not the most stable Roma, Totti significantly reduced his chances for awards. But for Francesco it's not so important, because according to him: "One championship with Roma for me is equal to ten championships with Real Madrid or Juventus".
In the current season, the Old Lady again became the champion, as if confirming Totti's words: "From year to year Juventus should play in Serie A one". What is characteristic, Roma in one of the last rounds was able to beat the Turinians, postponing the celebration of the championship, but she herself was not allowed to really fight for the Scudetto. The Romans need stability, because "only defeating small teams, you can become a champion".
Italian football, along with English, is perhaps most often subject to the problem of racism. Have not had time to cool down in memory of the episodes with insults of Totti's mate - Antonio Rudiger or unable to withstand the insulting chants of Sally Muntari, who left the field. Captain Roma does not accept this behavior of the fans: "I do not understand racism. I have many black friends and many who were my rivals. Respect is the foundation. Alas, racism is a social problem, and football is part of the society ".
In general, the theme of respect is very important for Francesco, who shows this feeling even in relation to the principal rivals: "Del Piero and I often met on the football field as rivals, but always respected each other. There were tough joints, but they never affected our relationship ". Equally respectful were the relations with Milan's legendary defender Paolo Maldini: "I learned a lot from Maldini. True, he is a defender, and it does not come in handy for me ... "Even the fans of the most important rival of Roma, Lazio, recently paid tribute to Totti, saying goodbye to the great captain of Roma. Surely, there would be a lot of those who are inclined to criticize Francesco, but only he does not care: "I do not care what people say. If they criticize me, despite my 200 goals - they just do not understand football ".
Everything goes to the fact that this season will be for Totti the last in Roma in the player's career. Does this mean that Cesco will hang his boots on the nail? It seems that: "I just can not imagine myself in a T-shirt of some other club. Besides, how would I look in the eyes of my children, how would I explain to them the transition to another team? ".
In any case, we can rest assured that Francesco will continue to give all his strength to protect the T-shirt "jalo-rossi": "I grew up playing Roma, and I want to die playing Roma, because I've always been her fan!".
Although, you know, do not be surprised if Cesco still extends his career as a player for at least one more season: "Finish my career at 60? I'll try," the Roman once said. Well, we can only watch the game of the Emperor of the Eternal City ... Football. Ua.