Totti came close to quitting football
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Roma legend Francesco Totti has admitted he came close to quitting the game after he was dismissed in the Coppa Italia final at the end of last season.
The veteran saw red after lashing out at Internazionale youngster Mario Balotelli and picked up a four-game ban for his act of ill-discipline.
Despite being on the verge of hanging up his boots, the 33-year-old was talked out of a premature end to his glittering career.
He admitted: "There was a time when I thought about quitting. I thought about it because of what happened, on and off the pitch. Then I talked to people close to me who made me think about it.
"But when there's passion it's right to continue. Every time something happens concerning me it's worth ten times as much. I have asked myself so many times, why? And I've answered that it happens because at the end of the day I'm good.
"Maybe people don't like me because I'm from Rome. Were the club close to me? Yes."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments