Roma striker Francesco Totti to retire from playing at the end of the season, says Monchi
Wednesday 3 May 2017 16:47, UK
Roma striker Francesco Totti will retire from playing at the end of the season, the club's new director of football has announced.
Monchi, who has moved to Roma from Sevilla, revealed at his presentation to the media that the 40-year-old, who has scored 250 goals in more than 600 appearances for the club, will not have his contract renewed in the summer.
However, the former Italy international will not be leaving the Serie A club and is set to take on a new non-playing role.
"In terms of Totti, I already knew that there was an agreement with the club that this would be his final year as a player, then he'd start as a director," Monchi said. "Francesco is Roma, I want to be as close to him as possible.
"I'd love to learn even one per cent of the huge amount that he knows."
Totti's current contract runs until the end of the current campaign, when he will bring down the curtain on a career which has seen him play senior football for just one club.
The 40-year-old has won one Serie A title, as well as the Coppa Italia and Supercoppa on two occasions each during his 24 years with Roma.
Appearing for his country at all levels from U15, Totti scored nine goals in 58 senior appearances for Italy before his retirement from international football in 2006 after winning the World Cup.
His final game is set to be on Sunday May 28 against Genoa at Stadio Olimpico.
Totti's not the only Roma legend to have his future in doubt with Daniele De Rossi's contract also set to expire at the end of the season.
However, the 33-year-old, who has deputised as captain in Totti's absence this season, could still stay at the club.
Monchi insists there is a good chance De Rossi will sign a new deal, despite reported interest from Inter Milan.
"We share a reciprocal desire and interest," Monchi said. "We want to continue together and we would have to be particularly stupid not to reach an agreement.
"He's a fantastic lad and we'll try to reach this agreement."
