Euro 2008 qual. - Totti retires
Eurosport - Fri, 20 Jul 14:16:00 2007
Francesco Totti has retired from international football following his self-imposed break from the Italy team since the World Cup.
FOOTBALL 2006-2007 Francesco Totti Italy World Cup trophy - 0
After helping his team lift the trophy in Germany, Totti decided to step away from the new set-up of coach Roberto Donadoni to allow his ankle to heal.
He had a metal plate inserted after surgery and was rushed back for the summer tournament.
"The word finished is ugly but I have taken this decision to end the chapter with the national team for various physical reasons - [but] not technical," he said.
"I have weighed up what to do for a year after the World Cup and I have decided to finish with the national team in order not to create problems for the Azzurri staff.
"I am sorry, but health is the most important thing."
Totti, 30, has 58 caps from his career with the Azzurri, which critics argue has never quite lived up to his Serie A exploits with Roma.
He ended last season with 26 goals as the Giallorossi finished second behind Internazionale, six more than his nearest rival.
The Roma captain and regarded as a hero in the city, he has never played for another club and lifted the Coppa Italia last season. He has stated in the past that his heart belongs with Roma rather than the national team.
Italy are second behind France in Euro 2008 qualifying group B, two points off the pace and only one ahead of Scotland. Ukraine are three points behind the Scots, but with a game in hand on the others.
მიმაგრებული სურათი
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ფრანჩესკო ტოტი, "er Capitano"
