Totti sets sights on ending fairytale career with a trophy

The 39-year-old, who is entering his 25th season as a Roma player, has admitted that it will not be easy to achieve such an ambition, but will do everything in his power to help realise it.

In an interview with Gazzetta World, the World Cup winner said that a final piece of silverware for his boyhood club would be a perfect ending to his fairytale story.

“I’d like to finish my career by winning something,” Totti told Gazzetta World. “I want to lift a trophy. I want to finish my career in style.

“At the same time I know it’s not easy. But, that’s my dream for closing out my career.”

He added: “Right now, it’s my last year. It’s normal that I see this season differently than those past. I hope to work until the very end, and I hope to obtain something important for the club, even if it’s difficult.

“There will always be an end. I need to find the right moment. When I don’t feel right with myself anymore or I see that I’m struggling or that I don’t have the desire to play, I’ll be the first one to raise my hand and step aside.”

The forward was asked about his famous loyalty to the Giallorossi, a commitment to one club almost unrivalled in world football. He acknowledged that he could perhaps have earned more money elsewhere if he had moved during his career – but insisted that the emotions he experienced would not have been the same.

“I’ve always loved these colours and I’ve always desired to wear only this jersey,” he said. “For me, this is an ideal marriage.

“Maybe this is the difference between me and everyone else. There aren’t many athletes who follow their hearts. They choose go somewhere to win more and earn more money.

“If I thought only about the money and the finances, I would have changed teams 10 years ago. I’d earn more in respect to what I make now with Roma. For me it’s another choice, one of passion, not money.”

The club captain was also asked about his experiences during the club’s ongoing tour of North America, with the side currently undergoing a rigorous week-long training camp in Boston.

“It’s a beautiful city,” he said. “It’s new for the team in many ways because we’ve only been here only three or four times. One could say we’re at home because we like to be here.

“Our experience in America during summer training camps has been positive. In addition to our physical preparations for the coming season, we also have been involved in a few prestigious friendlies that are enjoyable.”

“Francesco Totti will always help Roma create a great team, even without him on the pitch.”

- Francesco Totti

Asked about his future plans Totti insisted he was not thinking about anything but the final chapter of his playing career. However, he pledged he would always be there to help Roma – on the pitch and off it.

“I hope that Roma can find a new Francesco Totti,” he said. “It’s not easy. I’ve done a lot.

“But Francesco Totti will always help Roma create a great team, even without him on the pitch.”