Legendary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi has been speaking to Corriere della Sera about Roma icon Francesco Totti. On the eve of his 40th birthday, Sacchi explained that Totti was; “A boy with amazing quality who I have always admired”. He added that; “I tried to bring him to Real Madrid when I was technical director there to replace Zidane. I told President Florentino Perez that he was the only one who could replace him but Totti stayed in Rome”.
 

When asked if he thought that he had lacked ambition by refusing to leave his hometown club he replied; “Maybe a while ago yes but now he’s arrived at 40 I’ve changed my mind. I think his attachment to Roma shows intelligence not fear. When you feel comfortable in one place you will leave for two reasons; money or the spirit of adventure”.  

Asked who he would compare Totti to from he replied; “He makes me think of Gigi Riva with Cagliari, a declaration of love but as I said earlier also intelligence”. On his position on the field Sacchi declared that; “He is without comparison, he has always put himself at the services of the team and he has always been able to provide the goals. Free-kicks, assists, goals, he has the precision of Michael Jordan”.
 

On the one regret of a distinguished career, Sacchi again; “That he could not repeat at international level what he did for his club and that he left the Azzurri too early. Finally, the secret to his longevity; “His passion”.



S.M