Roma legend Francesco Totti has angrily denied that his new deal was motivated by finance.
Roman legend insistent over new deal
Roma legend Francesco Totti has angrily denied that his new deal was motivated by finance.
Totti, 32, agreed a new five-year deal earlier in the summer, but some reports have suggested the move was driven by money.
But Totti has insisted that if his decisions were financially driven - he would have signed for Real Madrid or Barcelona earlier in his career.
"I think I earned the contract that has been drawn up for me, because I always fought for what I have," Totti told Sky Sport Italia.
"I want to point out that this is a valuable contract, but I never thought about money, otherwise I would have left aged 26 when Real Madrid and Barcelona wanted me.
"I would've earned double what I am picking up now. I always wanted to make my career with the Giallorossi jersey and nobody will ever again refuse the money I did from Madrid and Barcelona.
"It was a choice made with the heart and for that alone I want some respect. It's a shame to hear these comments circulating about my renewal.
"If the club considers it opportune to give me this contract, then I don't care about anyone else.
"Soon I will turn 33 and that means my career is coming to an end. I doubt anyone will be able to repeat what I have done for Roma."
Totti also reiterated that he had no plans to come out of international retirement.
"I am happy with the way Italy are playing, as the team deserves it and so does coach Marcello Lippi. I really don't see myself in South Africa, though," he said.
