OFFICIAL: Totti retires from the Azzurri

[dukeofdavinci]

well here's what lippi said on the events of totti



Lippi: I can’t replace Totti


Italy boss Marcello Lippi has conceded that Francesco Totti is an irreplaceable figure in his World Cup plans.

The tactician made the comment just hours after the Roma captain saw his Mondiali hopes jeopardised by ankle surgery.

Totti was seen by many pundits as crucial to his nation’s Germany 2006 bid and the tactician has now underlined that fact.

“Totti is one of the most important players that we have,” the Coach told Radio Repubblica on Monday.

“It is clear that Totti is one of the few players who doesn’t have a substitute because there is nobody around who plays like him.”

Although Totti could be sidelined for up to three months, Lippi is cautiously optimistic that he has time to recover - even if Italy kick off their campaign against Ghana in just113 days time.

“I spoke with him this morning,” added the former Juventus tactician. “He seemed very serene to me.

“Without being super optimistic, there does seem to be time for him to get fit. We must now accept what has happened and focus on his recovery.

“We will look to work as one in an effort to get him back in time. He is a fundamental player for Italy.”

Totti sustained an ankle fracture and ligament damage following a clash with Richard Vanigli. But Lippi has defended the Empoli stopper.

“We are sad about what has happened but it would be absurd to accuse anyone,” added the cigar-smoker.

Meanwhile, Juventus captain Alessandro Del Piero – who may benefit in terms of team selection through Totti’s possible absence – has sent a message of support.

“I wish him all the best,” he said via his official website. “I saw what happened and am disappointed for him. I hope he can return soon.”


http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/feb20f.html

[TheDevil]

I'm confident also, he will be back.

[sinoy1]

yup he wont be the same but it'll still be a good summer.

[Jager]

Totti to quit after World Cup Monday 27 February, 2006

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Francesco Totti has suggested that he will quit international football after the 2006 World Cup Finals.

Although the Roma star won’t celebrate his 30th birthday until September, he indicated on Monday that his Azzurri career is coming to an end.

“I really want to be a part of the World Cup because it will be my last competition with the national shirt,” the crocked star stated this afternoon.

“That is the project which is in my end and I am almost certain that I will see it through until the very end.”

Totti had indicated in the past that Germany ’06 would be his international farewell, but he is presently in a race again time to be fit for the event.

The capital captain broke his ankle last Sunday and is facing up to three months on the treatment table.

That has seriously put his participation in doubt, even if the No 10 – who watched his side’s 2-0 derby win over Lazio from the sidelines last night – is adamant that he will be ready.

“The last World Cup and European Championship didn’t go as I had planned, but I will be in Germany and I’ll make up for them,” he added.

Totti’s 2002 World Cup was marred by his dismissal in the second round defeat to co-hosts South Korea on the Golden Goal.

He was then expected to lead the Azzurri to glory in Portugal two years ago but he left the tournament in disgrace.

Totti was handed a four-match ban after TV pictures saw him spit in the face of Denmark midfielder Christian Poulsen.

Totti is hoping to be ready for at least the last two games of the season in order to convince Marcello Lippi of his fitness.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/feb27f.html

[azzurri]

not a surprise.

[Jager]

Former Italy and AC Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi has criticised Roma captain Francesco Totti over his decision to delay his return to the national team.

"Totti is a great player, I consider him the messiah of Roma," said Sacchi. "When I was in charge of Milan, I tried everything I could to sign him.

"But Totti must show greater respect to the national team, the coach, the players and the supporters. It's fine to retire from the national team, but you cannot pick and choose when you are going to play."

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[azzurri]

I agree.

[dukeofdavinci]

im against that...if he is not well then he is not well.no point of rushing him in,bsides we must not be dependent of one player...though it may seem we are but we are not, there are lots of quality players in our nazionale.totti will be an importatnt player whn he reaches his best state, n right now i think he is not far from there, when he is im sure thats the day he will wear our 4 start azzurrini blue!!

[Forza_Roma]

i agree with dukeofdavinci.....poor guy suffered from a broken ankle 7 months ago. Worked his *ss off everyday in training to participate in the WC. Scored a PK against Aust., Setup 3 goals...what else do you want from this guy! He has a son, who is around 1 years old, and i'm sure Mrs Totti is the reason for his temp. retirement due to she wants him to be home more with his son. He needs a break mentally so he can focus on Roma and his family. I still missed him in our opening 2 games, but he will return and get his #10 back from Cassano! :@ (Even though Cassano has played extremely well) So Sacchi should keep his comments to himself! Forza Totti! Besides Ale, Luca and Gianluca Zamb. will be back next game anyways!

[D-Kin]

FIGC Commissioner Luca Pancalli has defended Francesco Totti’s decision to postpone his return to the Nazionale.

http://www.channel4.com/sport/footba...ia/nov28f.html

[Forza_Roma]

I feel bad for Totti......everyone comments on him regardless of what he does. When he plays for Italy, they comment on how he didn't perform well enough. When he decides to take a break, why is he taking a break, when is he coming back? No wonder he has had enough...too much drama! He will be back for the next Euro Qual in 07!

[D-Kin]

You have to look at it from his point of view. The injury probably wasn't fully healed going into the WC and his performances reflected that (as well as the start of the season). Playing him in the recent friendlies and qualifiers would have been pointless as he needed time to regain his fitness and form.

Right now he's looking very good so I expect him back for the NT in the New Year.

[Jager]

Look, if the FIGC is in contact with him, and he will give his answer in due time, then I don't have a problem.

If he is not 100 percent, then fine.

The flip side is that he looks pretty good from what I have seen of late.

[D-Kin]

Exactly, which could be a result of him not playing so many games at the start of the season.

The break from the NT has done him good in my opinion.

[dukeofdavinci]

Totti considers Azzurri farewell

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Roma captain Francesco Totti has revealed that there is a chance that he won’t make an Azzurri return.

The No 10 has rejected all calls for a return to the Italy squad after the World Cup victory in Germany, insisting that he would not play for Italy until he had recovered his best form.

He later stated that would not happen until the metal plates in his ankle were removed next year, but these plans might have now changed.

“The supporters are asking when I will return to the Nazionale, but I first have to decide if I will return,” said Totti before the ceremony in Rome, when the world champions will be honoured by the President of the Italian Republic.

“There hasn’t been anything between me and Coach Roberto Donadoni. Things are clear and we will speak again at the end of the season. However, the Final in Berlin might have been my last match with Italy.”

The Roma star then commented on the Serie A championship, where he still believes that his side can fight for the title, despite the gap dividing the Giallorossi from leaders Inter.

“I am confident that we can win the Scudetto, seven points is not that much and I believe in our comeback.

“It’s important as the entire city hopes that we will make it. It would be useful to start a new cycle, but in order to do that we also need some important signings,” concluded Totti.

channel4.com

now this is smthing,i know a player that has benefited greatly from retiring from the internationals that is paul scholes. his form for united was impressive after he quit england and focused on his club football.

i wonder if totti is doing the same. as a giallorossi i welcome it but at the same time im a azzurri. man i really hope he could play in euro 08' and at the same time cont his good form for us.