Roma legend Francesco Totti attended a press conference recently to officially announce his appointment as advisor to newly founded basketball club Maxima Roma. Totti explained his decision to venture into basketball, while addressing his reasons for not returning to AS Roma, the football club's prospects this season, and denying rumors of a potential role with the Italian national team.

Regarding the basketball project, Totti dismissed suggestions of resentment or retaliation: "There is no resentment involved. I am simply taking a new step and choosing a completely new project." Totti had held two meetings with Roma owner Friedkin but failed to reach an agreement to return to the football club. Instead, he partnered with Mattiasi, founder of Maxima Roma Basketball Club, to pursue this new venture.

Despite moving into a new field, Totti repeatedly stressed that his love for AS Roma remains unchanged. "Roma will always hold a magical place in my heart. Roma is my foundation, and I will never abandon it." Regarding Roma's centenary celebration, Totti pledged to commemorate the milestone with supporters and promised to organize exclusive events for them in the future, acknowledging the irreplaceable support they have shown him.

As a football legend, Totti continues to closely follow AS Roma's progress. He expressed delight at the club's return to the Champions League: "This is the top stage where Roma belongs. I have always firmly believed the team should compete in the Champions League and Europe's highest-level competitions."

On the Serie A title race this season, Totti offered his professional assessment: "Gasperini's Atalanta team has made an excellent start. I believe Roma and Inter are the two main contenders for the Serie A title this season. However, it is too early to draw firm conclusions. We will have a clearer picture after 15 matches. For now, the priority is to stabilize the standings and build confidence. Returning to the Champions League is already a significant achievement for the team."

Totti also denied rumors of a potential appointment to lead the Italian national team delegation. He confirmed meeting CONI President Malagò in Sabaudia for an extended conversation but ultimately declined the opportunity to focus on his new project. He endorsed the current coaching structure under Mancini and Ranieri, deeming the federation's choice reasonable.

Finally, Totti expressed his hope that Maxima Basketball Club would attract supporters from both Roma and Lazio—the city's arch-rivals—to matches, transcending the derby divide and revitalizing Rome's sporting landscape.

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