Walter Sabatini reveals he told Francesco Totti to retire, and will leave Roma due to 'a disconnect' with President James Pallotta.

The sporting director was in the eye of the cyclone this year as Totti, Pallotta, Coaches Rudi Garcia and later Luciano Spalletti all clashed with each other at one point or another.

Walter Sabatini reveals he told Francesco Totti to retire, and will leave Roma due to 'a disconnect' with President James Pallotta.

The sporting director was in the eye of the cyclone this year as Totti, Pallotta, Coaches Rudi Garcia and later Luciano Spalletti all clashed with each other at one point or another.

“I tried to protect Garcia,” Sabatini told La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Many say that I was wasting my time. That may be so, but I remember that at a time when he was very successful he decided not to betray Roma, even though he had that possibility.

“Here we didn't win a trophy, but you've got to admit that Roma has been well-handled financially, and qualified for three consecutive years in the Champions League.

“Some good work was done, which is recognised in Italy and abroad, but not in Rome, where people are angry and frustrated.”

The 61-year old was then asked about his relationship with President Pallotta.

“It's not the money that keeps me here, I could earn more abroad. On February 1 I sent an email to the president asking him to let me go, because I felt a disconnect between the two of us.

“Forgive me, but I can't continue on this subject. I can't give up today, we have objectives to meet. I will, though, when I can do so with a clear conscience.

“In any case I never talked of resignation. Initially Pallotta accepted my suggestion, then he changed his mind. For some time I felt like a prisoner, but recently I met a lot of people who helped me identify problems and potential. They gave me hope.

“One thing is certain: this is my last year with Roma and I'll keep working in this role in my own way. I cannot be supervised.”

Sabatini then discussed his strategies in signing players, and the way he shares his policies with Spalletti.

“Perhaps not all of my players were worthy of Roma, but when I picked them up, there was a certain logic behind it.

“People accuse me of not signing Italians, but where are the good ones that you can sign for reasonable prices? The system has to be changed, it's mouldy. At Roma, people tend to eat footballers alive.

“I propose players, but I share that with the Coach. I have a good understanding with Spalletti, we both have a psychologically disturbed view of life.”

Finally, Sabatini discussed the delicate question of Totti, whose contract extension is expected shortly.

“I always spoke to Francesco with love. I told him he should stop. I haven't changed my mind, but now that he's going to sign a new contract I think he'll have a great opportunity. He'll have a year to work on himself.

“Spalletti? Of course he dealt with the residue of some issues he had with Totti in the past, but Spalletti wanted to impose a philosophy and he did it. Now they're in good terms again.

“Of course the harmony will be a bit strained, but both of them will have to be intelligent. Luciano green-lighted the contract, but Francesco must be generous with his teammates.

“I imagine a new Totti, although one who can still show us some special touches. He may never have reached the Olympus of football, but his moves will never again be seen on a football field.

“He hasn't won a Ballon D'Or or a Champions League, but his play will be closed in a book that nobody else will be able to open.”

Finally, the sporting director closed the interview with an ironic statement on his lifestyle, which involves drinking coffee 15 times a day.

“This interview could very well be my spiritual final words, though I'm counting on living another two or three months, in spite of the cigarettes and the coffee.”

Byandrea

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