Roma icon Francesco Totti: Turning out the light is scary

Roma legend Francesco Totti

ROMA legend Francesco Totti admitted after his final game for the club on Sunday that it was difficult to call an end to his time at the Giallorossi.

The 40-year-old striker came on as a second-half substitute as Roma claimed a 3-2 win over Genoa in their final Serie A game of the season.

Speaking to the crowd at the Stadio Olimpico after the victory, Totti explained his emotions as he contemplated life after football.

“At some point in life, you grow up – that’s what I’ve been told and that’s what time has decided,” he told those in attendance, according to RTE.

“Time has tapped me on the shoulder and said, ‘You can no longer enjoy the smell of the grass, the sun on your face as you bear down on the opposition’s goal, the adrenaline consuming you, the joy of celebrating’.

“It’s not easy to turn out the light. I’m afraid. It’s not the same fear you feel when you’re standing in front of the goal, about to take a penalty.

“This time, I can’t see what the future looks like through the holes of the net. With your support, I will succeed in turning the page and throwing myself into a new adventure.

“Being the captain of this team has been an honour. I will no longer entertain you with my feet, but my heart will always be there with you.

“Now, I will go down the stairs and enter the dressing room that welcomed me as a child and that I now leave as a man.” – kickoff.com