Marcos Cafu doubts Francesco Totti “blocks the growth” of other players at Roma. “He sets a great example and is a leader.”
The Giallorossi captain turned 40 last month and director of sport Walter Sabatini said in his parting Press conference that Totti’s continued presence could “affect or even block the growth of other players in the squad, almost like a cork.”
Cafu does not agree with Sabatini’s assessment.
Marcos Cafu doubts Francesco Totti “blocks the growth” of other players at Roma. “He sets a great example and is a leader.”
The Giallorossi captain turned 40 last month and director of sport Walter Sabatini said in his parting Press conference that Totti’s continued presence could “affect or even block the growth of other players in the squad, almost like a cork.”
Cafu does not agree with Sabatini’s assessment.
“A champion is always a champion and people talk about him because he is world class, the leader of the squad,” Cafu told the Corriere dello Sport.
“Every team has someone like that who must set the example. If he’s still playing at this level at the age of 40, he can only be an example for the young lads.
“If Totti is still on the pitch, it’s because he knows that he can still give so much to world football.”
When they were teammates, did Cafu expect Totti to still be going at this age?
“Of course I did, because he’s a professional who takes good care of himself and only he can decide when he wants to retire. If he’s in good shape, he should be playing. He works hard, is dedicated to the team and deserves to be here.”
Totti and Cafu are taking part in this evening’s charity match at the Stadio Olimpico in Rome.