Mauro Baldissoni on Francesco Totti

What is the club's official position on what happened today?

“There's no position to take. It's a purely football decision and it's up to the coach. Luciano Spalletti was very sad to tell us this morning that he had spoken with Francesco. He told him that, contrary to his initial plan, he didn't think it was appropriate to play him from the start or even off the bench due to the statements Totti made yesterday and the atmosphere, distraction and sense of unease they had created within the camp. Sensing unrest, the coach decided to change his mind. As a result, Francesco was no longer required to remain with the squad prior to the match because he wasn't going to be involved. Once again, it was a decision made by the head coach after informing us and Spalletti was extremely disappointed because yesterday he had decided to play him against Palermo.”

Was it a punishment for his comments yesterday?

“No, it was a decision taken considering the player's and the squad's unrest after Francesco's statements. The coach assessed the player's mental state, considering the squad and Francesco's own feelings of dissatisfaction as well. He's at the Olimpico, he was in the dressing room with his team-mates and he'll be available for training tomorrow. So there's no punishment at all.”

What control did the club have over the interview at Trigoria? Were you aware it was going ahead?

“We don't control these things, although obviously we don't let television crews in without permission. A request was put in to interview Francesco about the 2006 World Cup. Of course we don't prevent our captain from talking to the media.”

Were you surprised or did you suspect it?

“Francesco is having some difficulty dealing with the fact he's no longer such an important player as he was at other times of his career. We understand that. It's a difficult time, as it is for all great players when they approach the twilight of their careers. That's why we're trying to support him and we care about him even more.”

Will the club try to heal the rift?

“There's no rift to heal and Roma is what matters. We can't afford to focus on individual cases. As I said, he's here tonight, he was in the dressing room with his team-mates and tomorrow he'll be available for training. The president will be here soon and has said he will speak to him. Francesco is an honourable and illustrious part of Roma's history, and history implies past, present and future. Francesco can't be separated from Roma, regardless of any temporary difficulties which we understand perfectly.”

Where does Totti's future lie, upstairs or on the pitch?

“I think all that takes a back seat at the moment. Clearly it depends on how the player feels and on the considerations of the coach and the president. I've already said several times that it's a matter we've left in the hands of Francesco and the president because they're the best two people to find the right solution. However, it's all secondary compared to what Francesco represents for Roma and what Roma plan to do with Francesco in the future. Sadly the time will come when we no longer have Totti's technical ability on the pitch and we have no intention whatsoever of losing him completely. There's no big falling-out or argument to resolve. I think the coach considered Francesco's state of mind and changed his plans for tonight. We've basically asked Spalletti to win games and to improve the team and he's doing that very well. We have to let him make whatever assessments he sees fit. There's no punishment for Francesco, who's here in the stands tonight.”