Football
Ben Gladwell, Italy correspondent 6y

Roma director Francesco Totti quits coaching course after two weeks

Francesco Totti has withdrawn from a course to earn a preliminary coaching badge due to his commitments as a director of Roma, the Italian Association of Coaches (AIAC) has confirmed.

Totti, 41, started studying for his UEFA B coaching badge just over a fortnight ago, but he has already withdrawn and made way for his former Roma teammate Simone Perrotta to take his place.

"Francesco Totti has demonstrated that he is a champion even off the field," read a statement from the AIAC to ANSA. "Since he was unable to attend the course regularly, and with respect for his colleagues, teachers and the organisers, he has withdrawn.

"We wish him all the best to become a coach in future. The president of the Region of Lazio's AIAC, Sergio Roticani, the course leader, Fabio Lozzi, and the state docent for footballing technique and tactics, Biagio Savarese, while disappointed by Totti's decision, wish to see him back at the school desk again in future."

Since enrolling in the course last month, Totti, who retired from playing last season, has not found the time to attend the classes regularly enough.

Last week, he watched AC Milan's Europa League clash with Rijeka before flying out to Georgia to play in a charity match. He was back in Milan again on Sunday for Roma's 2-0 win over the Rossoneri.

Perrotta, who had already started studying for his coaching badge at Italy's headquarters in Coverciano, is to move onto the course nearer to his home in Rome, taking the place vacated by Totti.

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