Roma’s Totti given farewell sendoff after 25-year career

ROME — It was a celebration tinged with tears, fear and love.

Francesco Totti bid an emotional farewell to Roma after a remarkable 25-season career with his hometown club on Sunday, contributing to a 3-2 win over Genoa in Serie A that secured the Giallorossi a spot in the Champions League.

Almost 60,000 fans inside the Stadio Olimpico stood up and cheered when the 40-year-old Totti replaced Mohamed Salah in the 54th minute. And even if Totti didn’t score or set up any goals, his mere presence was what the supporters came to see.

“Unfortunately the time has come. I’ve cried every day,” Totti said in a post-match speech from the centre of the pitch. “It’s a decision I made with my wife and my family. I would stay here another 25 years. Thank you Roma.

“I would have liked to write a poem or a song but I’ve tried to express myself with my feet,” Totti added.

Totti then put to rest speculation that he might end his career with another club.

“Excuse me if recently I haven’t talked much or cleared up my thoughts,” Totti said. “I’m taking my shirt off for the last time and folding it up well and good. The lights are turning off now and I’m afraid. Allow me to have a little fear. Now I need your help.”

During the elaborate post-match ceremony, a huge No. 10 jersey with Totti’s name on it was unveiled at the centre of the pitch. All of Roma’s players put on shirts featuring Totti’s No. 10 while the electronic publicity boards lining the pitch read, “Grazie Capitano.”

Totti then walked around the stadium’s athletic track while holding third child Isabel in his arms, with his other two children and wife Ilary Blasi accompanying him.

Roma’s victory, courtesy of a 90th-minute goal from Diego Perotti, secured second place.

Roma coach Luciano Spalletti received a long series of boos and whistles — linked to how he has used Totti sparingly this season — when he was introduced before the match.

Fans also reacted negatively when James Pallotta, Roma’s American owner, greeted Totti after the match.

There had been speculation that Totti wanted to play another season and the club was urging him to retire.

Pallotta has offered Totti an unspecified management position.