Football used to be played for love, today it is played for money, Totti is clear. Outside of AS Roma, he says he could only play for one other club

Francesco Totti spoke about his loyalty and the offers he has turned down during his playing career. He even revealed that there is only one club outside of AS Roma that he could have played for in the past.

Icon, legend, phenomenon, king. In Rome, Francesco Totti is recognised like few others. His legacy is known throughout the football world. In his own words, the Italian former footballer has had no shortage of offers.

But despite many offers, the Italian legend has always chosen to stay in Rome. The reason? Love for the club and the city.

He received his first offer to leave Rome at the age of 12, AC Milan were interested in him after he won the title. Turning down the offer was his choice, his parents didn’t interfere in any way. Yet the now 45-year-old phenom admits it was the most exciting team he has ever seen.

“I started in a different era. Football was played for love, for the fans. It was great to play for the team I’ve always rooted for. Today it’s more about business. You just go where you can make more money. That’s fair, right?” totti reflected on the evolution of football.

But playing for AS Roma for 25 years, being captain and one of the key players, he said, was not an easy burden at all, on the contrary.

Then in 2006, after winning the World Cup, Real Madrid tried to sign him. Unsuccessfully. However, Totti admitted that he did think about the offer.

“There were days when going to Madrid was close. But from the bottom of my heart I decided to stay in Rome. Real Madrid was the only team I could really play for. It would have been an experience to play in another country, but I couldn’t leave,” the Rome legend let slip.

Source: The Guardian