Totti ready to leave ailing Roma

[Lance Knight]

MILAN, Dec 19 (Reuters) - Italy forward Francesco Totti says he will leave AS Roma for a foreign club unless the Serie A side can return to being title contenders.

In an interview with the Rome daily Il Messaggero on Sunday, Totti, who has played with Roma since he was a schoolboy, said he needed the club to convince him they had a serious plan to return to the top.


While the Roma captain has delivered such ultimatums in the past, this time Totti says he is weary of the responsibility he carries at the club and sick of the treatment he has received from some of the team's supporters.

"I want to know what the club plans. I am not interested in a new contract offer; before that has to come a project from the club. Without that there is nothing to talk about. Roma has to be competitive" said Totti.

"I am not in any rush, let's see what happens in the next six months," said the 28-year-old whose contract with Roma runs out in June 2006.

Roma won the Italian title in 2001 and were second last year but have been unable to keep up with rivals Juventus and Milan this term and were ninth before Sunday's game with Parma.

"We can't return to being a club that aims only for third or fourth place when things go well. We can't go back to being a team that in January are already thinking about next season," he said.

Totti said he had already received offers "from Italian clubs and from abroad" but added he would prefer a switch to a foreign club if he left Roma.

"I'll never go to Juventus. That would be like going to Lazio," he said referring to Roma's two traditional rivals.

If Totti quit it would almost certainly result in angry protests from supporters but he asked: "Do I always have to carry Roma on my shoulders? I feel like a crooked-backed old woman and I want to be able to walk upright again."

A local hero who made his debut for Roma as a 16-year-old, Totti has long been the favourite of the Roma ultras but indicated that his relationship with the fans had soured.

"The fans always want me to stay at Roma but then they have a go at me. It seems I'm the captain only when things go well," he said.

"After our defeat at home to Udinese I received some ferocious abuse from fans in the street. They called me a mercenary and yelled 'You are thinking about other clubs. Go now!'.

"I can handle that when I am on my own but not when I am in company. It annoys me and this is not the first time. The majority of the supporters are with me but there are a lot who pick on me.

[Leon of Silvren]

Well he didn't mention Real Madrid in any part of the interview, but I think he's considering going there.

[ItalianBoy]

This is old news and it has all been proved wrong. Totti said he wants a competitive Roma, not that he wants to leave.

[Leon of Silvren]

He said he wanted to go before the season started, at least I read that in some interviews, he said that if Roma didn't have a competitive team by the start of the season he'll go, maybe he stay because someone made him a promise or something, but right now is clear that Roma doesn't have a competitive team anymore.

[ItalianBoy]

Actually I was in Roma and I know all about Roma and Totti. In the beginning of the season he did say he wanted a comp. Roma, yet on Rete Sport, I heard him live saying he wanted to stay. And btw, we could be competitive if we only sold and bought few players here and there. We have a good team, just not as motivated.

[Leon of Silvren]

So he wants to stay or leave??

[ItalianBoy]

Stay.

[Leon of Silvren]

What a shame! He could've ended in Real....

[7becks7]

he does want to stay, yet he is strongly considering leaving if roma loses the ambition to be a top club, he's also frustrated with the fans attitude towards him

[ItalianBoy]

It would be a shame if he left. If he EVER leaves, I want him to go only to Real Madrid. Hopefully we will get better an have a much more comp. team if Baldini wakes up.

[Gunner4ever]

will Roma be buying any players in Jan???

[ItalianBoy]

Seems like we want to get Adriano for the left side. But I am not sure, since Baldini has not annoucned anyone else. Taddei maybe in June.

[FORZA_PIRLO]

mark my words: Totti will not leave Roma!

[Lance Knight]

and also i will( as the term goes) "eat my hat" if adrino ends up at roma. inter would have to be pretty stupid to let him go

[ItalianBoy]

Its not the Adriano Beite Ribeiro of Inter but the one of Curitiba. Another Adriano. Totti will stay.

[cannuman]

Totti won't leave Roma..also i hope Montella won't...I think they got good player, but they miss Capello...but maybe not anymore...To me it seems like DelNeri can now make giallorosso's play...They will be very good in spring

[Leon of Silvren]

Why are you so sure Totti will stay??

[ItalianBoy]

I know Roma and I know Totti. He will leave only if he sees that Roma is become like Siena and has no potential what so ever. I actually agree with him.

[cannuman]

Tottis is Il Capitano, he can't just leave..he got so many fans there..He is the Roma icon..like Del Piero in juve...And Roma is good, better in spring...They will get Cl place...They will beat Lazio soon in January..so no need to leave..............................................

[Lance Knight]

Its not the Adriano Beite Ribeiro of Inter but the one of Curitiba. Another Adriano. Totti will stay.
or ok, my bad

[rafa]

I think Totti should leave anyways it's time for him to move on!!!

[ItalianBoy]

Move on? Care to be more precise?

[Lance Knight]

i agree

[Leon of Silvren]

Tottis is Il Capitano, he can't just leave..he got so many fans there..He is the Roma icon..like Del Piero in juve...And Roma is good, better in spring...They will get Cl place...They will beat Lazio soon in January..so no need to leave..............................................
Well Becks, Zidane, Ronaldo and Figo were icons in their respective clubs, and they also had many fans before arriving to Madrid......

[cannuman]

Well Becks, Zidane, Ronaldo and Figo were icons in their respective clubs, and they also had many fans before arriving to Madrid......

Zidan was never Juves icon..taht was and still is Del Piero....Ronaldo was never inters icon..Well Beckham isn't muck a footballer..more showman or supermodel :D

[Leon of Silvren]

Well I remember Zidane was highly apreciated in Juve and so Ronaldo. Beckham is a footballer, for much that it hurts some people, and one of the best of the world. And you forgot to mention Figo, but that's not the point, my point is that it doesn't matter how slim is the chance of a transfer, it can happen and nothing is for sure 100%. That's football......

[cannuman]

yes...everything is possible...But i still belive Totti will stay....Roma is strong enough

[Leon of Silvren]

Strong enough for what?? For hanging in mid-table or for UEFA cup??

[Lance Knight]

yea come on he needs a CL medal on this pedastool

[cannuman]

Strong enough for what?? For hanging in mid-table or for UEFA cup??
Strong enough to be in top of Serie A

[Lance Knight]

but for a player like him he shouldnt be near the top of the table but at the top of the table

[Leon of Silvren]

Strong enough to be in top of Serie A
Roma is not on the top of Serie A......

[Lance Knight]

Roma is not on the top of Serie A......
yea they are mid table i think in 6th place, i think

[cannuman]

Roma is not on the top of Serie A......
i told you Roma is strong enough to be in top...And it seems the will get CL place....Do be 4th in Serie A is not so bad....

[rafa]

Totti should go to the Spanish league I think it seems he wants to go their!!

[cannuman]

Totti should go to the Spanish league I think it seems he wants to go their!!
No way man....Totti wants to stay in Roma

[Lance Knight]

we will have to just wiat and see

[rafa]

Maybe Totti can go to real madrid and give a helping hand!!!

[RaulMadrid7]

Maybe Totti can go to real madrid and give a helping hand!!!
Don't worry he will. :)

[cannuman]

Maybe Totti can go to real madrid and give a helping hand!!!
No way...as long as I live :)

[Leon of Silvren]

i told you Roma is strong enough to be in top...And it seems the will get CL place....Do be 4th in Serie A is not so bad....
I think that a player like Totti should aim for the first place, and not for the 4th and expect just qualifing to the CL, he should think about winning it.

Is almost what happened to Owen, he came to Madrid in order to be in a 'competitve' team and win titles......

[ItalianBoy]

One thing is what he should do, and one thing is what he will do. Some of you talk too soon. And some of you talk too much.

[cannuman]

I think that a player like Totti should aim for the first place, and not for the 4th and expect just qualifing to the CL, he should think about winning it.

Is almost what happened to Owen, he came to Madrid in order to be in a 'competitve' team and win titles......

last year Roma was 2nd and very much in scudetto race...And R. Madrid??? think no titles in some years at least....And it's not just about winning...Remember Rivaldo won Cl in 2003...he even didn't play in play-offs...Totti wants to win something with Roma..........

[rafa]

One thing is what he should do, and one thing is what he will do. Some of you talk too soon. And some of you talk too much.


Hey dude kick back it was a suggestion ok or possibly opinion everyone is entitled to their own even you!!! :p

[ItalianBoy]

I do not think I told you anything did I? You can have opinions and suggestions man but keep them realistic, and I mean not just you but everyone.

[rafa]

Well it is a realistc I mean Real Madrid has won nine european club championships!! How not realistic is that???

[adrianofan]

Francesco Totti would most likely leave Roma. I give him a big thumbs up for sticking with the Giallorossi through all those years though. Roma was never really a titan at all in my opinion. A titan in the Serie A yes, but definately not a European titan. Totti should have left Roma a long time ago if he wanted to further his career in my opinion. Even though he is a big jerk, I admit that he's pretty loyal for sticking with the club for so long. As for where Totti should move to, I think he should go to a team that needs a trequartista. With the large amount of forwards that Real has, they might not have room for a trequartista maybe?

[Leon of Silvren]

One thing is what he should do, and one thing is what he will do. Some of you talk too soon. And some of you talk too much.
If you are adressing that to me I suggest you to speak directly and face-to-face. If not then just ignore this post.....

[Leon of Silvren]

last year Roma was 2nd and very much in scudetto race...And R. Madrid??? think no titles in some years at least....And it's not just about winning...Remember Rivaldo won Cl in 2003...he even didn't play in play-offs...Totti wants to win something with Roma..........
You're talking about last year's Roma, which is very different from today's.

And Real Madrid has a great potential, if they're playing crappy, that's a different issue, is all about odds, how many odds did Greece had to win the EC?? How many had Italy?? And if you were able to choose in which team you'll play, in Italy -which didn't qualify to the second round- or Greece -the champions- which one would you choose?? That's my point....

[Pazza]

I think Totti can consider a move to Inter. No need to go to La Liga. And that 'Italy didnt make it at Euro' thing, thats the past.. they'll do well in WC06. and Greece, lol.. most of their stars are currently playing in Serie A like Karagouis with Inter. :smoking:

[ItalianBoy]

For one thing Totti is not a jerk. Second of all rafa I do not decipher you man. I tried with every psychology book out there but you are just abnormal mate. :D And Adrianofan, Totti is gonna stick with us. If he leaves, he will clear things up with us first and stated and not just leave.

[rafa]

I guess my college degree makes me abnormal huh ib

[Leon of Silvren]

I think Totti can consider a move to Inter. No need to go to La Liga. And that 'Italy didnt make it at Euro' thing, thats the past.. they'll do well in WC06. and Greece, lol.. most of their stars are currently playing in Serie A like Karagouis with Inter. :smoking:
Well if Totti leaves he has very clear he won't go to any team in Italy, he will go outside the country. He's very loyal to fans.

[Pazza]

Duh. you think you know Totti that well? Think if Real is the truely good option.., La Liga doesnt interest me much with fast attacking football but with a wreck in defence, if ya know what i mean.
Its just a wish that totti would stay in Italy and play for a previlage club like Inter. I had a feelin that his kind of present is the key to a club success like Internazionale.

[rafa]

I think he would work well over their with the new coach from Brazil santos!!

[ItalianBoy]

For one thing, la Liga does not have all this fast attacking football they claim. And rafa, seems not, since you couldn’t even manage to see I was joking and I am referring to your posting. Try to be clearer please. Totti is going to stay with Roma until he sees there is hope. He wants to stay in Roma the club and city. He will move to Real Madrid only if on desperate measures occur.

[RaulMadrid7]

For one thing, la Liga does not have all this fast attacking football they claim. And rafa, seems not, since you couldn’t even manage to see I was joking and I am referring to your posting. Try to be clearer please. Totti is going to stay with Roma until he sees there is hope. He wants to stay in Roma the club and city. He will move to Real Madrid only if on desperate measures occur.

First of all, YES La Liga is a fast paced league and much faster than Serie A...
But I gotta give credit to Serie A since I watch it alot that both leagues have the same excitement. La Liga is the number one league in Europe and probably in the world... that's why Ronaldo and many other stars finish in Serie A and move to La Liga once they have proven themselves.

[rafa]

LOL see I told you fools!!!

[adrianofan]

I am very certain that Francesco Totti is going to leave. If he wanted to stay, he would have extended his contract by now which expires in June 2006. He's going to let the contract run out because he knows that AS Roma's ambitions end at battling for a CL spot and nothing more. That said, Totti is pretty loyal though considering that he stuck with Roma after all those years. But Roma are in one of their more darker moments right now so it's more likely now than ever that he'll leave.

[ItalianBoy]

Actually we just paid our last debt and these contract things are always dealt for a long while. Totti said he wants to stay and now the team can point higher. Totti will do anything to stay. He will leave only if he sees that the team is lost in dust. In that case, with my heart out I must say he should leave.

RM7, La Liga is not as fast paced as the media claims it.

[rafa]

finally you listen??? I am not just saying that because to differend with you I mean it It's time Totti should go look on!

[bruce_the_noose]

Totti had announced that he wants to stay at Roma !

Totti leaving Roma would be like Raul leaving Real Madrid.

It ain't ever gonna happen!

[Leon of Silvren]

Where did I hear this before?? Oh right! When Beckham was being linked with Real! :rolleyes:

[Lance Knight]

ent

and owen leavng liverpool

[Leon of Silvren]

Exactly, it proves that in football, anything can happen.

[RaulMadrid7]

And Figo leaving Barca to arch rivals Real Madrid is a big one since now he gets booed every game against Barca.

All we need now is either Ronaldinho or Adriano, or both! :thumbsup:
And Robinho is on his way.

If these deals happen Imagine this:


------------------------Adriano---Ronaldo---------------------

-------------Solari-----Ronaldinho--Robinho---Beckham---------

-----------R.Carlos-----Salgado----Helguera----Samuel---------

------------------------Casillas--------------------------------

This would be the strongest offensive club in the whole world.

[Lance Knight]

yea that would be dread, just switch salgado and samuel

[cannuman]

And Figo leaving Barca to arch rivals Real Madrid is a big one since now he gets booed every game against Barca.

All we need now is either Ronaldinho or Adriano, or both! :thumbsup:
And Robinho is on his way.

If these deals happen Imagine this:


------------------------Adriano---Ronaldo---------------------

-------------Solari-----Ronaldinho--Robinho---Beckham---------

-----------R.Carlos-----Salgado----Helguera----Samuel---------

------------------------Casillas--------------------------------

This would be the strongest offensive club in the whole world.

great ofeence....bad defence...R.Carlos and Helguera aren't top class defenders....Salgado is right back...and Samuel isn't that man he was in Roma...

[ItalianBoy]

For one thing Totti is not leaving Roma any time soon. Second of all that line up is totally wrong and third, none between Robinho Ronaldinho and Adriano are going to Real. Maybe Robinho but the other 2 are not for sure.

[RonaldoD08]

For one thing Totti is not leaving Roma any time soon. Second of all that line up is totally wrong and third, none between Robinho Ronaldinho and Adriano are going to Real. Maybe Robinho but the other 2 are not for sure.

As you say they are not for sure. So for that matter they may as well go...

[ItalianBoy]

If you read my post correctly you will see I say that maybe Robinho is the only one going but that the other two, are NOT going for sure. :)

[Lance Knight]

For one thing Totti is not leaving Roma any time soon. Second of all that line up is totally wrong and third, none between Robinho Ronaldinho and Adriano are going to Real. Maybe Robinho but the other 2 are not for sure.
yea but one can dream. but honestly i really admired the team we had back in 2000-02 around that time

[cannuman]

Hey Italianboy, what the hell happened to your Roma avatar? :worried:
FC Barcelona :mad2: :worried:

[ItalianBoy]

Yeah just for a change and also in a sort of protest for how Roma is being managed. I also like Barcelona so I got a team I like. :)

[cannuman]

Yeah just for a change and also in a sort of protest for how Roma is being managed. I also like Barcelona so I got a team I like. :)
How come? u are Italianboy...and u like Spain team...I thought u like Roma best...

[Lance Knight]

How come? u are Italianboy...and u like Spain team...I thought u like Roma best...
lol

[ItalianBoy]

I just told you. Its just for a change and its a sign of protest for how Roma is being Managed.

[ARBANITAI]

I just told you. Its just for a change and its a sign of protest for how Roma is being Managed.

EDIT

[moro19]

Where's he linked with?

[ItalianBoy]

Totti is not linked with any team. Cassano on the other hand is prolly leaving.

[RaulMadrid7]

Totti is not linked with any team. Cassano on the other hand is prolly leaving.

I agree, even though Totti was rumoured to leave Roma, it is pretty obvious now that he won't leave Roma since he is one of the most important if not the most important icon of that club in his time.

Cassano on the other hand should come to Real Madrid. :D

[ItalianBoy]

IMO he should leave. Cassano that is.

[azzurri_nr1]

Of course Totti stays! :p

[davor_suker]

I agree, even though Totti was rumoured to leave Roma, it is pretty obvious now that he won't leave Roma since he is one of the most important if not the most important icon of that club in his time.

Cassano on the other hand should come to Real Madrid. :D

Yeah, another striker....should be helpful to you guys :S

Cassano i hope comes to Turin. Totti, he has too much pride to go somewhere else in serie a, if he does leave, it will be to Real, or Barca (i wish!)

[nachi88]

hey,,, i just saw totti get a slap by tudor

any updates on the fight followup? did he spit on tudor? j/k :D

[Maccabi 4ever]

I think totti will move but stay in serie a Possibly alongside adriano in inter

[A3eMurderer]

hey,,, i just saw totti get a slap by tudor

any updates on the fight followup? did he spit on tudor? j/k :D

he should have done so...