Francesco Totti announces his retirement from football

Francesco Totti officially announced his retirement from football on Monday after playing 25 seasons for Roma, the club where he was formed and has become a true legend.

"The first part of my football life is over and now a more important part is going to begin," explained Totti, 40, on Roma's website, with whom he won the Scudetto in 2001.

"We start from scratch. It will take some time to find, little by little, calmly, which role suits me. For this reason, I make myself available to this club, from the young players to the president. Until May 28, I only thought about playing football, having fun, and significantly helping the team. Now we have to move forward, I'm opening a new page. I'm going to think about a new role that surprises me, that brings me many good things," he explained.

After his last match, a victory against Genoa in the closing of Serie A (3-2), the star took a microphone and tearfully bid farewell to the Roman fans, who consider him a club legend.

Many personalities saluted the player for his farewell to Roma, especially the Argentine Diego Maradona, Totti's childhood idol, and the fans of Lazio, his great rival.

"Il Capitano" played 786 matches for Roma and scored 307 goals after making his debut in 1993 at the age of 16.

Before the official announcement of his retirement, Totti was in talks with Tokyo Verdy, a Japanese second division club, to continue his career. Rumors also pointed to a signing by Miami FC, a club in MLS coached by his friend Alessandro Nesta.

Ultimately, the idea of wearing only one shirt throughout his career was stronger than anything else.