Francesco Totti (Part 3)

Under the management of Rudi Garcia, Francesco Totti continued to play a pivotal role for Roma, often deployed as a false 9 or as a supporting forward, showcasing his versatility on the pitch. In September 2013, Totti committed his future to Roma by signing a new contract, extending his tenure with the club beyond his 39th birthday.
Throughout the 2013–14 season, Totti demonstrated his enduring quality, contributing both goals and assists to Roma cause. Despite a brief injury setback in February, he returned to action to score crucial goals, including his 20th career goal against Parma. Totti ended the season as the top assist provider in Serie A, underlining his importance as a creative force for Roma.


In the following season, Totti influence remained undiminished. He made history by becoming the oldest scorer in the UEFA Champions League era with a goal against Manchester City, marking his 300th professional career goal. His remarkable longevity was further highlighted by his goal against CSKA Moscow, extending his record as the oldest goalscorer in the history of the competition.
Totti continued to etch his name in the annals of the Rome derby, becoming the joint all-time top scorer in official club competitions alongside Dino Da Costa. His consistency in front of goal was evident as he equaled Roberto Baggio's record for the most goals scored in Serie A from penalties.


Despite Roma mixed fortunes in the 2014–15 season, Totti remained a shining light, finishing as the team's leading scorer with ten goals in all competitions. His enduring contributions reaffirmed his status as a club legend and one of Serie A's greatest ever players.Francesco Totti's career with AS Roma during the 2015–16 and 2016–17 seasons showcased both his enduring talent and his lasting impact on the club.
In the 2015–16 season, Totti reached a significant milestone by scoring his 300th career club goal for Roma in a league match against Sassuolo. However, his celebration was tempered by an injury sustained just before his 39th birthday, which sidelined him for three months.


Despite his return to fitness, Totti publicly criticized manager Luciano Spalletti for his lack of playing time, sparking speculation about his future at the club. Nevertheless, Totti continued to make important contributions on the pitch, including a memorable brace against Torino and a crucial free-kick goal against Genoa. His performance in his 600th Serie A appearance solidified his status as a club legend. Ultimately, Totti renewed his contract for another year, confirming his intention to retire at the end of the following season.
The 2016–17 season marked Totti's 25th Serie A campaign, equaling Paolo Maldini record. In a match against Sampdoria, Totti not only assisted a goal but also scored the match-winning penalty, extending his remarkable streak of scoring in consecutive seasons. He further cemented his legacy by scoring his 250th Serie A goal against Torino just before turning 40.


Totti longevity and impact were evident in his 100th appearance in UEFA club competitions, where he provided two assists in a Europa League match. However, a muscle injury temporarily sidelined him. Despite the setback, Totti returned to action and continued to make significant contributions, including a crucial injury-time penalty in the Coppa Italia quarter-finals.
Francesco Totti's illustrious career with AS Roma came to an emotional end in May 2017, as he made his final appearance for the club in a match against Genoa. His departure marked the end of an era for Roma and Italian football, as one of the game's greatest legends bid farewell to the pitch amidst a heartfelt ovation from fans.


Francesco Totti journey to international stardom began in his youth, representing Italy in FIFA and UEFA tournaments. He reached the final of the 1993 UEFA European Under-16 Championship with Italy under-16 side but missed the final due to suspension as Italy fell to Poland. Later that year, he participated in the 1993 FIFA U-17 World Championship, scoring Italy's only goal in the tournament.
Totti continued to shine on the international stage, scoring in the final of the UEFA Under-18 Championship in 1995, although Italy ultimately lost to Spain. However, his crowning achievement at the youth level came in 1996 when he helped Italy win the UEFA Under-21 Championship, scoring in the final against Spain.


Totti contributed to Italy gold medal triumph at the Mediterranean Games, showcasing his talent on home soil. His performances in these tournaments earned him recognition and later inclusion in the all time Under-21 Euro dream team in 2015.
Transitioning to the senior squad, Totti earned his first cap for Italy under manager Dino Zoff in 1998 and scored his debut goal in 2000 against Portugal. Throughout his international career, Totti made 58 appearances for Italy, scoring nine goals and providing 25 assists. Notable among his international achievements was a brace in a FIFA World Cup qualification match against Belarus in 2004.Totti contributions to the Italian national team showcased his skill, creativity, and leadership on the international stage, solidifying his status as one of Italy finest footballers.


Francesco Totti played a pivotal role for Italy during Euro 2000, showcasing his skill and creativity on the field. He scored two crucial goals and provided an assist during the tournament, leaving a lasting impact on Italy journey to the final.
In the first round match against Belgium, Totti displayed his aerial ability by heading in Demetrio Albertini cross from a set-piece, earning him the man of the match award for his performance.
His second goal of the tournament came in the quarter-finals against Romania, where he showcased his accuracy with a well placed strike following Stefano Fiore's assist.
Totti's confidence was evident in the semi-final shootout against the Netherlands, where he famously chipped in a penalty with a Panenka-style finish, a moment that became iconic in the tournament.


Despite Italy loss to France in the final, Totti played a key role in Marco Delvecchio opening goal, providing the assist with a clever back heel pass to Gianluca Pessotto. Throughout the match, he created scoring opportunities for Alessandro Del Piero, although they were unable to convert.
Totti performances throughout Euro 2000 earned him recognition, as he was named in the 22-man Team of the Tournament for his outstanding contributions on the field. While UEFA sources credit him as a contender for the man of the match award in the final, the official award went to Thierry Henry of France according to UEFA's Technical Study Group. Nonetheless, Totti's impact and presence were undeniable throughout the tournament, solidifying his reputation as one of Italy's top talents.

References

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