“Never say never,” Roma legend Totti suggests he could return to football at 48

• Francesco Totti revealed that Serie A teams are still reaching out to see if he would consider a return to football at 48
• Totti claims it would take him two to three months of intense training to get back into playing shape
• Despite the temptation, Totti admits the idea of returning is “crazy” but wouldn’t entertain offers from Roma’s rivals, Lazio

Francesco Totti, revered as one of Italy’s greatest footballers, has revealed that some Serie A clubs are still interested in luring him back into professional football despite his retirement in 2017. 

The legendary Roma forward, now 48, believes it would take him just two or three months of dedicated training to regain his fitness and return to the pitch. With a career spanning nearly three decades at Roma, where he played 786 matches and scored 307 goals, Totti is not only a club icon but also a footballing legend across the globe.

Reflecting on his recent interactions with Serie A teams, Totti admitted, 

“There were Serie A teams that called me. I admit that they made me think a little, a little crazy.”

Totti has an impressive legacy, boasting 11 Oscar del Calcio awards, including five Serie A Italian Footballer of the Year honours. He also won the prestigious European Golden Shoe in 2007 and the Golden Foot in 2010.

Totti also talked about the possibility of returning to professional football, saying it would require intense preparation, 

“It would be difficult, but in life you never say never. If I were to return to Serie A, I would have to train really well.”

Although the prospect of returning to the game excites fans, Totti was firm about his decision on one particular club, 

“Lazio? I wouldn't even consider it," he said. "I'd be ready in two to three months -- I'm still playing at 48. If I had to do something crazy, I'd do it in Italy, not abroad, but it is crazy.”

Totti, who earned 58 caps for Italy during his international career, also opened up about his retirement, lamenting, 

“When you turn the page you never know what awaits you. It wasn't my choice, but in that moment it has to be experienced differently from the context, maybe that's also why I've had that thing inside me. It's true that there's a beginning and an end to everything. I didn't want it and so that window remained open.”

Meanwhile, AS Roma’s current struggles in the 2023-24 season only add to the nostalgia of Totti's era. The club recently sacked Daniele De Rossi, another club legend, after a rough start to the campaign. 

Roma currently sits 10th in the standings under Ivan Jurić, who has managed to win only two of his first four domestic games.

Mourinho reportedly eyes return to Premier League and it's not Chelsea, Man Utd

Previously, TheRadar reported that Jose Mourinho, one of the most legendary names in football management, is reportedly eyeing an unexpected return to English football. 

Football Insider reports that Friedkin, who previously worked with Mourinho during their time at AS Roma, sees the Portuguese manager as the ideal figure to take the reins at Everton should Dyche fail to turn the club’s fortunes around. Despite joining Turkish side, Fenerbahce, in June, Mourinho's return to England seems far from impossible.