Francesco Totti, the legendary figure of AS Roma, has shocked football fans with his recent comments about a potential return to Serie A. The 48-year-old, who hung up his boots in 2017, revealed that he has received calls from various clubs, making him contemplate a comeback.
“I admit that they made me think a little, a little crazy. It would be difficult, but in life you never say never,” he said. Totti acknowledged that many players have continued their careers long after retirement, hinting that he could still have something to offer on the pitch.
The iconic No. 10 also expressed that any return would depend on rigorous training. “If I were to return to Serie A I would have to train really well,” he stated. Despite being open to the idea, Totti made it crystal clear that he would never wear the colors of Lazio, Roma’s arch-rivals.
Totti believes that his skill set could still shine in the current landscape of Serie A. “With the levelof today's Serie A I could easily have my say on the pitch,” he asserted. He maintains a base level of fitness by playing casually, and has indicated he could be match-ready in two to three months.
As he reflects on his past and future, Totti remains a beloved figure in Italian football, and his potential return would undoubtedly send waves through the football world.
La Liga has officially lodged a complaint with the European Commission, accusing Manchester City of violating EU competition laws by receiving undisclosed financial support from the United Arab Emirates.
The complaint, submitted by La Liga President Javier Tebas, alleges that these funds were used to artificially boost Manchester City’s revenues and circumvent UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations.
Tebas stated, "This is a clear case of financial doping that distorts the competitive balance across Europe," emphasizing the need for regulatory intervention.
He further argued that Manchester City’s actions have "created an uneven playing field," disadvantaging clubs that comply with financial regulations.
In response, Manchester City has denied any wrongdoing, insisting that their financial practices are fully compliant with all regulations.
A club spokesperson stated, "Manchester City operates within the rules and remains confident that an impartial review will confirm this."
The club's financial dealings have already been under scrutiny due to over 100 alleged breaches of the Premier League's financial rules, including accusations of overstating sponsorship revenues.
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola refused to comment directly on the allegations during a recent press conference, responding with a curt "Next question" when asked about the issue.
If found guilty, the club could face severe penalties, including fines, points deductions, or even exclusion from European competitions.