Football
ESPN staff 7y

Francesco Totti could delay retirement, continue career in Miami

The football world's gossip mill is in full swing, and Transfer Talk is analysing some of the bigger moves that may happen. Check out the latest deals here.

Although Francesco Totti will not be offered a new contract by AS Roma at the end of the season, ending his 25-year association with the club, he has yet to state his intention to retire.

If the 40-year-old wants to continue his career, he may be able to do so in the United States. La Gazzetta dello Sport suggested on Tuesday that Totti could be tempted to join Miami, a second-tier side in the North American Soccer League coached by Alessandro Nesta and owned in part by Paolo Maldini.

Incoming sporting director Monchi said two weeks ago that he supports the club's decision to make this season Totti's last, and he said earlier this week that he hopes Totti will accept the six-year contract offer to become a director of the club.

Totti, meanwhile, released a statement via social media and on his web site last week that said there would be time to discuss his future after the season ends.

In an interview with Il Corriere dello Sport on Sunday, Nesta said that Totti "is still competitive," although he suggested that retirement may be the best option for him now.

"I think, as a player, you have got to know when the time is right and be the first to announce it, before anybody else," Nesta said. "When you feel that your body is not functioning the way it used to do and when the club is a bit perplexed, then it's best to get in there first and decide for yourself, not let others decide for you.

"I would tell him to make a grand finale, say nice words and end this year with a big party. That would be the best way for a champion like him to do."

ESPN FC Italy correspondent Ben Gladwell's take: Roma's new sporting director Monchi recently revealed that the 40-year-old would not be offered a new playing contract, which appeared to suggest that Totti's playing career will come to an end in the summer, although the forward has yet to confirm as much.

Since he has only ever played for the Giallorossi during his 25 years in football, a move to another Italian club would appear to be out of the question, but a move to Miami may be tempting him.

Nesta, a close friend of Totti's, tried to convince Totti to join him a year ago, but a spectacular end to the season saw him offered a one-year extension by Roma -- a prospect he does not have this summer.

^ Back to Top ^