Roma skipper Francesco Totti has insisted that he is not thinking about retirement but bemoaned the ‘physical’ nature of the modern game.
The experienced attacker, 37, made his debut for Roma in 1993 and has since gone on to make over 650 appearances for the Italian capital side, but despite reports he could retire this season – he has since rebuffed those by claiming he is happy to continue.
“Unfortunately I’m getting old, but football remains my passion. I’m satisfied with my career, even if football used to be more fun than it is now,” Totti told Roma Radio.
“These days, the game is much more physical and technique is less important. But the desire to keep playing is still there. If the desire to play is gone, I will be the first to say my time has come.
“So much has changed at Roma, too. I could write a book about all the presidents, coaches and players I have seen come and go.
“It is important for youngsters to keep their feet on the ground. Youngsters these days are not like back in the days, when they stood at attention when you said something.”