POLL: What's next for Francesco Totti?

Omar Karmani 13:40 09/05/2016
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Mail
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • WhatsApp
  • Pinterest
  • LinkedIn
  • Totti: Veteran Italian midfielder

    Roma legend Francesco Totti made an incredible 600th Serie A appearance for his beloved Roma on Sunday.

    Coming off the bench, the seasoned attacker nudged the ball on for Chelsea summer target Miralem Pjanic, who calmly scored the Giallorossi’s third goal against Chievo.

    Totti is now behind only Milanese heroes Javier Zanetti (615) and Paolo Maldini (647) in Serie A appearances but remains ahead of Juventus’ man-between-the-sticks Gianluigi Buffon (589). Despite the King of Rome averaging a goal or assist every 22 minutes in his last six appearances, the ticking time-bomb of his contract is at the front of the minds of most Roma fans.

    Coach Luciano Spalletti will certainly not be fighting his corner. Ever since a heated altercation with Roma’s captain following a disappointing 3-3 draw with Atalanta earlier in the season, the former Zenit manager has been of the belief that Totti is a hindrance, suggesting he would rather be “playing cards until 2am” than helping the team focus.

    Although his performances have begun to show his age, Totti’s departure would definitely see Roma lose out a wealth of experience both on and off the pitch, especially during tough moments.

    The fans at the Olimpico may have just witnessed their captain’s concluding home game but still have the chance to see him in action one more time away to AC Milan. Although Champions League qualification is pretty much a guarantee at this stage, a win at the San Siro and unlikely Frosinone upset at Napoli – resulting in a runner-up finish – would be the pièce de résistance to Totti’s 24th Serie A season.

    Should the club and its captain decide to part ways, will Totti fly elsewhere – perhaps North America, Middle East or China for a couple more seasons or will he decide to hang his boots? Only time will tell.

    Recommended