Francesco Totti Wanted To Miss Penalty In His Final Game And The Reason Will Make You Respect Him
Jun 10, 2017 at 12:03 PM
AS Roma’s very own Francesco Totti had called it a day as he retired from the football at the end of the season and was given a hero’s reception in his final game against Genoa.
The Italian legend has played 786 games for AS Roma and have scored 225 goals for the club in a career that lasted for more than two decades at the highest level. The 40-year old was brought on as a substitute in the 54th minute in their crucial game against Genoa and a new story was revealed in the aftermath of the game.
Brazilian defender and Totti’s teammate Juan Jesus has revealed that the legendary player was keen to miss the penalty in the final act as a Roma player and the reason will make you respect Totti even more.
Having played for only one club throughout his career, Totti has decided to hang up his boots and was keen to thank the fans as he planned to send the ball to Tifosi.
“Before his last game, Totti told us that if he had a penalty he would not score and he would send the ball to the tifosi.”
The comments made by Jesus was backed up Sky Italia commentator Caressa as he also revealed the exact reason on Totti missing the penalty.
“Had there been a penalty for Roma when the game was already decided, [Totti] would have taken the ball, signed it, and then he would have missed it on purpose,” Caressa said. “He was going to strike it into the Curva Sud as a gift to the fans.”
A lot was riding on the game as a win will only secure the Champions League spot for Roma and Totti was not able to get the planned farewell as the Italian giants have managed to secure a thrilling 3-2 win at the end.
Genoa were into early lead and then later equalized at 2-2 as Roma were in a difficult situation in the final ten minutes. However, an Diego Perotti scored the winner in the stoppage time to help Roma secure Champions League football for next season.
Totti was given an incredible send-off at full-time whistle and the 40-year old signed the ball and kicked it to the crowd in his final moments as a player on the pitch after the game.