Totti opens up on his new life away from the pitch

After ending his remarkable 25-year playing career in the summer, Francesco Totti has settled into a new life as a director at his boyhood club.

In an exclusive interview, published on Thursday, the legendary No. 10 discusses his adjustment to a new role as a non-player, what he has made of the season so far, and so much more...

CORRIERE DELLA SPORT: So, what has changed?

FRANCESCO TOTTI: “Everything – my life, my mind, my body… I was used to the same routine for such a long time, waking up early, having breakfast and then going to training. Now I have to plan my days. The impact has not been easy.

"I asked the club for some time off to recharge my batteries. I wanted a break to clear my head and enjoy spending time with my kids. They agreed and I thank them for that; now I’m able to start this new journey on the right foot. I have stayed in football, which is my life. It’s everything to me.”

Will you always be in football or is it a case of never say never?

“I will always work in football, I’m convinced of that. I’m lucky enough to be around the team, the coach and the directors – I watch matches with all of them. I travel on the team bus and I stay with the squad before games. I do a bit of everything.”

What can you bring to the role of director as someone who never trained to be one?

“I was a footballer and I understand all the dynamics that go into that. I know how to treat the players. Only someone who knows what to say, can read people’s looks and understands the right moments should go inside the changing room. I have this advantage over other directors: I experienced the dynamic of a changing room. I’m in there every day, just like before, only now I don’t get changed.”

How does wearing a jacket and tie suit you?

“At the beginning, I was talking to myself like a madman: ‘I’m injured, I’m suspended, I’ll be back [in a kit] soon.’ I’ve got used to it now, though.”

Let’s rewind the clocks to 28 May and your goodbye to football, a goodbye that moved half the world.

“I didn’t expect it to be like that, it went beyond football. It was so emotional because of my love for them and their love for me. I wasn’t Totti or the Roma captain at that moment; I was everyone’s brother. The people’s faces full of love were for me.

"This might sound bad, because Roma are above everybody and I’ve always put the club before myself, but just then I understood the result of that game didn’t really matter to the people.”

The new stadium is almost under way – why don’t you play the inaugural game?

“Enough now, otherwise it will become too difficult. However, owning our own stadium is fundamental. It will also improve how the fans follow the team. Currently you park three kilometres away and you have to pass through ten turnstiles. It wears on you.”

Can you ever see yourself not at Roma?

“I could have gone to Real Madrid once, as I would never have played for another club in Italy. When I made the decision, it came from my heart and my mind and I’ve never had any regrets.”

Was there ever a second opportunity to leave?

“The last few months under [Luciano] Spalletti were difficult. We had a good relationship before he left the first time in 2009. When he returned, I put myself at his disposal. I would have preferred to play more often, seeing as it was my final year, because I don’t begrudge him anything. I accepted his decisions with dignity. It was upsetting, but I know it’s up to the coach and ultimately, they’re judged on their decisions.

"I had offers to go to the Emirates or the United States. I would have made lots of money, but I would have ruined 25 years of love as well. It could have been a good experience, seeing as I was out of favour with the coach at that time, but I chose Roma on this occasion as well.”

How’s your relationship with Jim Pallotta?

“A bit rocky at the start, but then we cleared things up. He was looking at things in white and I in black. Then we found middle ground for the good of Roma.”

Did you watch Italy v Sweden?

“I didn’t think such a football tragedy could happen. I’ll turn on the TV in June and Italy won’t be on. It’s surreal.”

Would you have put Lorenzo Insigne on?

“I’d have started him. He’s one of the few players who could have won that game.”

Where does the Italian FA need to start again from?

“Damiano Tommasi. Firstly, because he’s my friend and secondly, because he’s talented. He looks the part: young, transparent and clean. If he’s representing you abroad, you’ll come across well.”

And who should be the coach?

“Vincenzo Montella. I’d bring Roma’s title-winning side back together.”

Do you have any regrets in football?

“Not having played with Ronaldo, during that period when he was on fire at Inter. It was my dream and his as well. He scored loads of goals, but he would have scored more with me.”

Should your mate Gianluigi Buffon continue playing or retire?

“You can play just as well at 39 as you did at 22; it’s all a question of mentality. However, in Italy we’re obsessed with people’s age. When Buffon makes a save, he doesn’t look 39.”

Who will win the Ballon d’Or?

“Lionel Messi or Cristiano Ronaldo, but I’d prefer Messi.”

Do you like VAR?

“Yes, but we need to know how it’s used. Who makes the call?”

Would you have got a few more penalties with it in use?

“Yes, but they’d have picked up a few more of my moments of madness.”

Do you know the most watched video of you is when you kicked Mario Balotelli?

“There was no need for VAR there. It was building up for years because of everything he was saying about Romans. Going on and on… But even so, it was a bad thing to do.”

What happened to Daniel De Rossi?

“It was instinctive and unfortunately these things can happen in games. Afterwards you say, ‘How on earth could I have done something like that?’ It’s hurt him more than anyone; all we can do now is be close to him.”

How’s it going with Eusebio Di Francesco?

“Everyone’s happy with him, it’s a united group of players. He’s open to dialogue and doesn’t mince his words. He’s a no-nonsense Abruzzian and says what he thinks.”

Will you ever turn to coaching?

“Let’s say that it’s not my priority right now.”

Who will win the Scudetto?

“There are three or four teams at the same level, but Juve will always have the edge. As for Napoli, they’re a great side to watch and they can win the league if they avoid too many injuries.”

It’s Napoli v Juve on Friday. Who will you be supporting?

“I’d like a draw because if we win we gain points on both of them.”

Apart from Roma, who would you like to win the title?

“I’d prefer Napoli, just for a change. They’ll be tired of celebrating in Turin, while in Naples they’d dine out on this Scudetto for 100 years. I’d like to see a team from the South crowned champions.”

And what about Inter?

“No, not Inter.”

On your 40th birthday, Spalletti gave you a model of the DeLorean from Back to the Future. If you could, would you prefer to go forward or back in time?

“I’d go back in time. I was at my best between 2000 and 2010, they were fantastic years. I’d be happy to relive just one of them.”

When did you realise you would be a footballer?

“When I signed my first professional contract at 16. That’s when I understood it was a proper job.”

Your son Cristian is 12 years old and plays football. What kind of football dad are you?

“I’m a model father. I teach him what my parents taught me: respect and manners. For sure, his surname weighs heavily on him. When he’s playing, people hope that I come along to watch him. I let him do his thing and I don’t say anything to him. In about three or four years, I’ll see what he’s truly made of.”

Could you ever tell him he won’t be a legend like his dad?

“Better the truth now than a lie that might hurt him in the future. As for having any other children, never say never: maybe a little brother for Cris.”