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Francesco Totti Have Roma ever had a better player than Francesco Totti? The Giallorossi's top scorer and appearance maker, Er Pupone has become a symbol of both the club and the city during his 15-year spell at the Stadio Olimpico. He has arguably been the most talented attacking talent in the Calcio Italia era and it is unlikely that the Eternal City outfit will ever be quite the same once he eventually hangs up his boots. Thankfully, that doesn't look like happening anytime soon, as the No 10 continues to go from strength to strength - as he proved by winning the European Golden Boot last term. Totti's Roma journey began back in 1989 when he joined the club's youth team at the tender age of 13. He hasn't looked back since, making his debut when just 16 and becoming captain after just three full seasons with the senior side. The list of personal accolades he has picked up makes astonishing reading - Italian Player of the Year on four occasions, Serie A Player of the Year twice, Serie A Young Footballer of the Year once. All that's missing is a major international individual award… And that's where many people believe that Totti failed to prove himself - with La Nazionale. However, nine goals from 58 caps aren't figures that tell the true story of his international career. He lit up his first major tournament, Euro 2000, by inspiring the Azzurri to the Final before spectacularly letting himself down at the next two events. But he made up for it with a remarkable recovery from a broken ankle to take his place at Germany 2006 - and we all know how that ended. Totti wasn't at his best, but his presence was vital. Despite the Mondiale success, his proudest moment was undoubtedly winning the Scudetto in 2001. Many people lambasted his decision to remain with his hometown club despite offers from the likes of Real Madrid, but Totti was vindicated by leading them to only their third League championship. “I'll never leave this club,” he insisted. “I could have done it in the past, but refused every time. And I'm proud of myself. Roma is the best choice I could have made in my career.” There are few examples of one-club players in the modern game, so Totti's loyalty should be applauded. Some felt it showed a lack of ambition on his part, while others claimed that he knew he would never be able to cope at another club where he wasn't top dog. But as John Milton once wrote: “Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven.” If Giuseppe Giannini was the Prince of Rome then consider Totti the King.

Words: Richard Godden

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