The President of Japanese club Tokyo Verdy claims Francesco Totti was an option, “but he didn’t get his family’s approval.”

Hideaki Hanya revealed Verdy were in talks to sign Totti before he announced he would stay at Roma in an executive role, and the President believes his club were close to a deal for the iconic No 10.

“Totti was available, but he didn’t get his family’s approval,” he told Nikkan Sports.

Verdy play in the J2 League, the second level of Japanese football.