Roma’s ownership, the Friedkin Group, are reportedly preparing a new offer for club legend Francesco Totti, following the appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as the new head coach. According to reports in Italy, Gasperini has specifically requested Totti’s return to the club in a more operational role than initially proposed.
The Friedkins initially approached Totti with a position as a “centenary ambassador” ahead of the club’s 100th anniversary, offering a one-year contract with the potential to extend to 2028. However, Totti deemed the financial terms of the offer – reportedly between €500,000 and €600,000 annually – insufficient, seeking a compensation closer to double that amount, factoring in his existing commitments. This discrepancy led to a standstill in negotiations over the past two months.
Gasperini’s vision for Totti extends beyond a purely representative role. The new manager, who reportedly enjoyed a positive initial meeting with Totti in March, believes the former captain could be a valuable asset within the club’s structure, acting as a liaison between the team and the ownership. Gasperini has reportedly conveyed this belief to the Friedkins, advocating for a more significant involvement for Totti than previously considered.
The coach has indicated he has a clear idea of how to utilize Totti’s experience and influence, suggesting a role that would allow him to filter information and proactively address issues within the squad. Discussions are expected to resume soon, potentially as early as next week, with the arrival of new sporting director Tony D’Amico, as the club begins planning for the upcoming season. Should Totti accept a more expansive role, it would be seen as a successful outcome of Gasperini’s efforts to reshape the club’s organization.
Totti spent his entire 25-year professional career at Roma, becoming the club’s all-time leading scorer and a symbol of the city. He retired in 2017, and while he has remained closely associated with the club, a formal return to an official capacity has been elusive until now. A successful negotiation could provide a significant boost to the club’s image and stability as it enters a new era under Gasperini.
