Official: Francesco Totti to Leave Roma Following Genoa Match

This is a story I’ve long hoped would never come true, one that I knew, deep down, words would never do justice. So in place of a paltry attempt to surmise Francesco Totti’s career and his impact on Roma, on the game, and on us, we’ve been bombarding you with Totti stories all year long—the man and his legacy are simply too big to pay tribute in a few hundred words.

Yet, throughout this entire season, I kept thinking “nah, he’s just toying with us, he’ll be back. He’s still got it, or at least enough of it to be an effective player” Much like the child who refused to admit or believe that Santa Claus was a fabrication, I kept telling myself he’d be back, and that, even in a reduced role, his joy for Roma would keep us all afloat for one more year.

Well, just like that morning when I realized that Santa’s handwriting bore a remarkable resemblance to my mother’s, I’m forced to confront an uncomfortable, reality shaking truth:

Francesco Totti

Francesco Totti is retiring, effective Monday. I’m not even going to attempt to recap this because sorrow’s only solace is sometimes silence.

Thank you, Francesco. Thank you for everything. You were too good for us.