Hagi lauds 'fantastic' Totti - 24 years after witnessing his debut

Hagi, regarded as one of the finest attacking talents of his generation, was there to witness the birth of Totti’s career – the attacking midfielder in the Brescia team on the day the 16-year-old made his debut for the Giallorossi back in 1993.

Now well into his 25th season as a professional, Totti is still competing at the highest level. And Hagi is full of admiration for the World Cup winner.

“Totti is an extraordinary, fantastic footballer,” Hagi said, according to Tele Radio Stereo. “He’s demonstrating to all young people what it means to love football.

“He’s an example in a society where young people are rebellious, so he’s an idol and an example.”

The former winger has stayed involved in football since his retirement as a player, and Hagi believes Totti should follow a similar path when he decides to hang up his boots.

“Totti needs to stay close to football,” he added. “Now he’s a protagonist on the pitch, [in the future] he must teach others how to become one.”