Francesco Totti, who has previously said he came close to leaving Roma for Real Madrid in the summer of 2004 before deciding to stay, spoke about that decision in an interview with Corriere della Sera published on Sunday. He said he would have won everything in Madrid, maybe even the Ballon d'Or.
The 2004 Real Madrid decision
Totti said: "I’m not repentant about it, but there was a bit of regret. In 2004, they weren’t called the Galacticos for nothing, with Beckham, Zidane, Figo, Ronaldo. I would have won everything there, maybe even the Ballon d’Or. But this is how it went. The supporters love me and I love them, and I still feel that way."
His feelings about Roma
Totti said: "Roma is my home, it was love at first sight."
He also said: "People on the street have always shown me their affection. I recognise that I’ve had an incredible story here. You came with me, you always supported me from the Curva. As far as I’m concerned, all I can say is thank you. Sometimes I get nostalgic thinking about the pitch, I miss it all."
Interest from Genoa and Como
Totti said that two years earlier, Genoa and Como were interested in him.
He said: "When I turned 48, I thought, what a great achievement, Genoa and Como were interested. Honestly, I thought about it. My heart and my head said two different things. I followed my heart and said no. I only wore one shirt my whole life and it had to stay that way."