No second thoughts for the Roma captain: Francesco Totti will not be wearing the Azzurri’s shirt again. In an interview to Gazzetta dello Sport, the ex-nº10 from Italy’s 2006 World Cup expedition preferred to eliminate any rumours on his possible come-back to the Italian national team: “I took my decision to abandon the Azzurri right after the final of Berlin in Germany. The Italian federation had asked me to have patience and wait, and I did.” said the Roma captain.

“At the beginning of the season following our World Cup victory, I expressed my desire once again to the FIGC (note: Italian FA) and from then on I never thought I’d be coming back on my decision, whether Italy qualified for the Euro or whether they did not. I know the rules of the group and out of respect for them, I never thought nor could I ever think coming back“.

Totti added: “My relationship with Donadoni and the Italian federation is clear and civil. In that light, I wish all the best to my teammates, because I still consider them as such given the success I achieved with them, and the best of luck for the next Euro championship“.

Roberto Donadoni had often gone over the topic of Totti (but also Alessandro Nesta) retiring from the national team: “Totti and Nesta have made a decision not to play for the Azzurri anymore. It’s a choice we can debate until the end of time, but we must also respect it. All that could be done has been done, and they both have confirmed their desire to stop. Why should I force a player to play for the national team if they don’t have the stimuli and the desire to do so? It would counter-productive for him, for Italy, and for everyone.”

Still a bloody shame if you ask me…

Posted in Azzurri, Roma |

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