Pallotta: "There will never be another Totti"

Long letter published by James Pallotta on Roma’s website on the eve of Francesco Totti’s last game in the Giallorossi.

“Sunday will be a privilege for me to be able to be at the Stadio Olimpico, along with 70 other.000 fans, to witness the end of the first volume of a legendary career.

It is not necessary to explain what Totti means to Roma or to the city of Rome. When we first thought about investing in this club, there were two things that immediately struck us: Francesco Totti and the incredible support surrounding the team.

Whoever I talked to, whether it was a taxi driver, a waiter, or a fan I met on the street, it was blatant the devotion of the Romans to Totti.

For them, he was not only the greatest striker in the history of Italian soccer. They told me that they saw themselves in him: a true Roman, a fan who represented them on the field of play.

They taught me, from day one, that Francesco Totti was not only a great player: he was and is the symbol of Rome.

I am a great sports fan. I have been since I was a child, when I lived in the North End of Boston, just two blocks from the Boston Garden.

I too have had my idols, like everyone.

I was very young when a legend like Bill Russell was shattering records in a Celtics jersey. At the time, he was like a god to me and my friends. He played 11 years for the Boston Celtics.

I was not yet born when he made his debut, but I was 11 years old when he played his last game. And after him came other great players-Carl Yastrzemski, Bobby Orr, Larry Bird. A long, very long list.

I thought 13 years on the same team was an eternity, but many of the fans who will be at the Olimpico on Sunday have been seeing Francesco play for 25 years, a quarter of a century.

Something incredible. And difficult to understand.

Since becoming Roma president, I have had the privilege not only of seeing Francesco play, but also of spending time with him, away from the spotlight.

He may be the God of soccer when he laces up his boots and leads the team on the field, but the Francesco I have come to know is humble, down-to-earth. Francesco is a wonderful person.

I was once in Manchester to watch the match between Roma and Manchester City at Etihad Stadium. I was in the hotel with some home fans before the game. They could not believe that Francesco was still playing for us. They were impressed that he was going to start that night and lead our attack.

I would have liked to meet them again after the game – after Francesco had scored the equalizing goal and written his name in the record book as the oldest player to have scored in a Champions League game.

That was in 2014.

At the time, I didn’t even think that two years later he could once again be decisive and score incredible goals.

What he did last year, towards the end of the season, was similar to a Hollywood script. As has been his career. My only regret is that I did not get there earlier to enjoy Francesco Totti’s first 20 years in the Giallorossi jersey.

I only have the videos recounting the hundreds of magical moments, but to experience them firsthand would have been completely different.

I will be there on Sunday to witness Francesco’s last game in a Roma jersey. It is the end of a chapter in Francesco’s life and the beginning of a new era.

I am sure more than one tear will be shed, both on the field and in the stands, but Sunday will be a celebration of what is an icon, a legend in sports history.

Enjoy this moment.

Sing, rejoice, cry and remember.

It is a unique moment for you.

There will never be another Totti.”