Ciao Francesco: A letter from Indonesia

My name is Russel Miracle. I’m just an ordinary 29-year-old man who lives in Jakarta, the capital city of Indonesia. I was born and grew up in Denpasar, Bali and I work as a professional magician.

Sunday will be a very emotional day for me – and that’s all down to the fact that I watched a Serie A live match back in 1996.

I was just nine years old. That evening in Denpasar, my dad was watching the match between Roma and Milan, a great 3-0 victory with you as one of the goalscorers. From that moment, I wanted to know more about you.

I started learning about you and then I started to learn more about Roma. I won't ever forget the date of December 1, 1996. On that day, I witnessed how you saved Roma in the last three minutes of the match at the Olimpico. Roma 3-3 Fiorentina.

That was my very first day as your die-hard fan.

Being a fan of Roma or you, in particular, wasn't really normal in Indonesia at that time. Roma was having a tough season in 1996-97. Roma fired Carlos Bianchi before the season was over and you were yet to become a Serie A superstar.

However, if it wasn’t normal then to worship you in Indonesia, it soon would be. It turned out I was an early supporter of the best footballer ever.

You taught me things about loyalty, about love and about passion.

For me, there will be no new you. There will be no new Francesco Totti.

I realise that I’m just one voice. One voice amongst millions of Romanisti voices all over the world.

And it’s not just Roma fans. I also see tributes to you from people who are not even football fans.

Man, this is bigger than just football.

This letter will be too long if I tried to recall all the memories and beautiful moments you’ve given me. But please let me recall and share just one unforgettable moment from your biggest fan - the time I finally got to meet you!

Unfortunately, I have never been lucky enough to travel to Rome to see you play in a match or even train but God is so good.

God is really good to me.

He let me see you when Roma came to Jakarta!

The committee of AS Roma Indonesia Day 2015 trusted me to be an MC for the match. After the warm-up session, I saw you were walking to the dressing room, with the gate just behind me.

I am not able to speak Italian well but I was ready with the question: "Capitano, scattare foto con te?”

Captain, can I have a picture with you?

You responded me with a sudden smile - almost a laugh. I wasn't sure if it was because my Italian was poor or because you thought that I was over-confident to just appear in front of you.

Snap!

A memorable photograph with my childhood hero.

Francesco, all I want to say is this: There will no new you in the future.

I know there can be many good players, loyal players, great personalities, unique footballers and true fighters born in the future.

Hopefully, many of them will play for Roma but you are still the only one who has all those things in one single human being.

Thank you Francesco, that's all I can say.

I wish you all the most beautiful things for your life ahead.

C'e solo un Francesco Totti...

Love,

Russel Miracle