For years, Francesco Totti has been the emblem of Italian football, especially if you’re an AS Roma supporter.
Whilst so many players, officials and managers have fallen from grace due to match-fixing and bitter behaviour, Totti has always retained his dignity, proving he is the one player Italy’s youth can rely on to be a proper role model. Think of him like Batman – as much trouble Gotham experiences on a day-to-day basis, there is always one shining light to guide the rest through.
And whilst many thought Totti’s glittering career was about to come to an emotional end, the 39-year-old shows no signs of slowing up, instead writing new chapters in his long and illustrious career.
He grabbed a vital equaliser for his side against Atlanta a couple of weeks back, whilst he scored a stunning free-kick against Genoa in a 3-2 win this week. He seems to be rolling back the years this season, and some have begun to question whether it is Luciano Spalletti who is influencing him once again. The pair worked together over a decade ago, and whilst Totti’s discussions over a new deal continue to stall, his form continues to be terrific, leading many to question whether the veteran could do a job in the Premier League next year.
Even at 39, one-man-team Totti shows no signs of grinding to a halt. You would have to wonder what good he would do if he did come to the Premier League to a side like Leicester for example. The Foxes are fresh from winning the biggest prize in football and it would be a tempting offer for the Italian. His wealth of experience would do nothing but help the Foxes, especially when the expectation levels will be so much higher next season.
But it’s everything about his game that could help any side in the Premier League. He’s been banging in goals all his life and although he may not hit the back of the next 25 times-a-season anymore, you could bet a small sum that he would chip in at some point.
His set pieces are also excellent and, as we have seen all throughout his Roma days, give him a penalty, free-kick or corner and he can normally make something positive happen. But it will be that wealth of experience that would benefit a young team more than anyone else. Imagine the likes of Demarai Gray turning up for Leicester training to be greeted by Totti standing next to his locker – it would definitely make a difference.
Whether he will leave his hometown club is still yet to be seen though. There’s a definitive affinity there and the supporters adore him. I’m sure they will do everything to prevent any potential departure, but if Totti’s contract cannot be resolved, there’s every chance he will be on his way this summer.
So Premier League teams keep your eye out, Totti would be able to improve your team!
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