According to Mundo Deportivo, Roma legend Francesco Totti revealed in his autobiography, published this Tuesday, that at age 48, he rejected an offer from Como, coached by Fàbregas, and also turned down Genoa because he did not want to betray Roma.

In his book titled "Oltre" ("Beyond"), Totti wrote: "I said no to Serie A. I said no to Genoa. I said no to Como. I was 48 years old at the time. Genoa's head coach was Alberto Gilardino, who, like me, was part of Italy's 2006 World Cup winning team, while Como's bench was already occupied by Fàbregas, one of the greatest players in football history."

He added: "Gilardino was 42 and Fàbregas was 37, so I was 6 and 11 years older, respectively, than the people who were being paid to manage me. These are not urban legends, they are the pure truth. Unbelievable, but absolutely true. It's crazy."

Totti retired in 2017 after a 25-year career at Roma. In his confession, he emphasized that he had seriously considered the possibility of returning to professional football because his physical condition allowed it, but the conclusion was always the same: "Can you play for a team other than Roma?"

Totti took some time to make his decision. "I was 48, okay, but age is somewhat surmountable; people do slow down, but footwork doesn't age. Everyone agrees: these feet don't need Botox. Rome is the key. Not a problem, and never will be. Sporting betrayal has no age, whether you are 18 or 48."

The eternal Roma captain and number 10 recounted that before responding to the management of Genoa and Como, he set aside a period of time and began rigorous training to consider the decision. "I continued playing Monday eight-a-side football, added three gym sessions and two physiotherapy sessions per week, and controlled my diet. Giving up bread, giving up sweets, giving up everything. Giving up sweets was the most painful... I didn't find training too difficult, and my body responded well, apart from some normal discomfort common for someone approaching fifty."

Speaking about how his past at Roma influenced his choice, Totti said: "My intellect said yes, my heart said no; then the roles reversed, thoughts stalled, and my heart raced." Roma was the club of his life.

Totti's confessional book, co-authored with Italian journalist Alessandro Alciato, was released this Tuesday with the subtitle: "Everything happens after a man retires. Then he has to tell the story."

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