Totti reflects on career

Roma forward Francesco Totti has revealed that he did not anticipate having such a fulfilling career earlier in his playing days.

Speaking in an interview with Sky Sport Italia due to be aired on Christmas Day, the Roma captain confessed he originally only had eyes on playing football for a living, after dedicating his youth to the sport.

“I would never have imagined making it this far,” said Totti. “One thing I did know – football was going to be my main occupation.”

“It’s a passion I’ve had ever since I was a kid. I have given it my all since.”

Totti attributed the success he has so far accrued to his family, who he feels have supported him through thick and thin, but also his only son Christian, where he noted their distinct similarities in character.

“I would not be where I am today, were it not for them. They supported me all the way,” said the 34-year-old.

“Christian is cheeky, much like myself at his age. I used to enjoy mucking about and getting on people’s nerves. I sometimes feel we are very similar. That makes me proud.”

Totti also showered praise on former coach Carlo Mazzone. The 74-year-old coached Roma between 1993 and 1996, and arguably provided the platform for the forward to press on with his feat of becoming a club legend.

“I thank Mazzone to this day. He was like a second father to me. I was lucky to have him take care of me between the ages of 16 and 17,” Totti said.

“He did a good job of keeping focused. It’s very hard to keep a teenage footballer at bay in a city like Rome.”

Totti is Roma’s all-time top scorer with an impressive haul of 203 goals in 487 Serie A appearances since his league debut in March 1993 against Brescia, while also winning a Scudetto in 2001 and the World Cup in 2006 with Italy.