Totti at 40: 10 Roma legends on what Francesco Totti means to them

From the man who came off the pitch when a 16-year-old Totti made his debut to the teammate who helped him win the Scudetto, Giallorossi stars of the past have had plenty to say about the iconic forward...

VINCENT CANDELA

French World Cup winner who played with Totti between 1997 and 2005

“Like everyone else, I see Totti as synonymous with Roma. Even when we played overseas, you could tell people associated the team with him. He’s world class on and off the pitch. Francesco has given so much for the club, and the club has done so much for him.

“He’s been the driving force behind Roma for more than 20 years, leading the team to the Scudetto in 2000-01. For me, one of his goals from that season remains his defining moment. It was the first half of the season, a game against Udinese. From Cafu’s cross from the right he scored a wonder goal, finding the far top corner on the volley with his left foot."

MASSIMILIANO CAPPIOLI

Played for the Roma side of Carlo Mazzone, in the period Totti was just emerging

“It’s hard to sum up what Totti means: he’s world class and he proved that from a very young age. I met him at the start of his footballing career so I can confirm that.

“Besides being a unique talent, I think he’s got the right mindset, a footballer’s mentality. You could see right from when he was young that he was going to become a great."

ODOACRE CHIERICO

The 1982-83 Serie A winner with the Giallorossi

“I’ve watched Francesco’s career from afar, having played in a different era, but I think he’s a special person, as well as a footballing great with excellent moral values. Francesco has made history at the club, more than anyone else. He’s the symbol of Roma."

STEFANO DESIDERI

The Rome-born midfielder made over 100 appearances for the Giallorossi

“Totti’s whole career has been a highlight reel. His performance levels have very rarely dropped throughout his career. Even when he wasn’t physically 100%, he still often produced brilliant displays thanks to his natural, special talent.

“He doesn’t just play for Roma, he is Roma. There’ll never be another player like him. If I really had to choose a moment, I’d say the Scudetto with Roma and the World Cup with Italy, two trophies that have capped a unique career.”

GIANCARLO DE SISTI

In two spells at the club, De Sisti won the Coppa Italia and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup. He was a World Cup runner-up in 1970

“Totti is a legend. A close look back over the years shows he’s the greatest player in Roma history and that makes him a legend, a symbol of the club.

“His career has consistently included incredible moments. Even now, he’s still like a kid with the ball and continues to do amazing things. I liked him particularly when he played in the hole and he’d hit those 40-50 yard passes to his team-mates without even looking."

SEBINO NELA

The Hall of Fame member played for Roma for more than a decade between 1981 and 1992

“Totti is a one-club man, a dying breed in modern football and that’s what makes him such an asset for the club. I think it’s crucial to have someone like him around in special places and teams like Rome and Roma. He represents the club and can explain what it means to you in a couple of words or even with his presence alone. Totti is all of that. I believe that’s what makes him a football great."

RUGGIERO RIZZITELLI

The former Roma striker was the player substituted as Totti made his Roma debut

“For me, Totti encapsulates Roma. He’s a true legend at the club and his numbers speak for themselves. He could have left years ago and won trophies at the biggest clubs in Europe, but he didn’t out of love for Roma. He’s a club icon and that will always be the case. The fans love him and always will – when he’s on the field the crowd changes.”

ALESSIO SCARCHILLI

The midfielder broke into the Roma team at a similar time to Totti. He now works for Roma TV

“Francesco is the greatest star to have played for Roma, an icon, legend and one-club man who has decided to go all-in on the Giallorossi cause."

ANGELO BENEDICTO SORMANI

The Brazilian-Italian won the Coppa Italia in his one season at Roma

“Totti has had an amazing, unique career. Playing at the top level in your hometown for the team you support hardly ever happens.

"He represents Roma in what he says and the way he conducts himself. He’s done the club proud with his ability on the pitch. He’s world class and he continues to develop into a wonderful human being. He’s a unique player in the history of Roma – his Scudetto win capping it all off.

MAX TONETTO

The versatile midfielder played alongside Totti for four years at the end of his career

“Totti is and will always be the best player in Roma’s history. The facts leave no doubt as to that and it’s going to be very hard to find another player who makes as many appearances and leads the team on as many occasions as Totti has. Francesco represents the history of Roma."