Francesco Totti admits “for the first time I was scared I’d miss” after his last-gasp penalty as Roma beat Sampdoria 3-2.
It was a crazy game at the Olimpico, with Samp leading 2-1 at the break, an 80-minute half-time because of a hailstorm and Totti coming off the bench to turn it around with his assist and spot-kick.
Francesco Totti admits “for the first time I was scared I’d miss” after his last-gasp penalty as Roma beat Sampdoria 3-2.
It was a crazy game at the Olimpico, with Samp leading 2-1 at the break, an 80-minute half-time because of a hailstorm and Totti coming off the bench to turn it around with his assist and spot-kick.
“A game is won by 11 players. I try to give my contribution when I come on, but the whole turn overturned the game,” the captain told Sky Sport Italia just days before his 40th birthday.
“It was the first time I was a little scared that I’d miss. It was too important to crown this match with an assist and a winning goal. Besides, I was under the Curva Sud, so I couldn’t miss there.”
Totti will turn 40 on September 27, so is he glad he didn’t retire this summer?
“The pitch is what decides. If I am in this condition and have the right mentality, why stop?”
Roma fans seemed cold early on, but were cheering wildly from the moment Totti came off the bench.
“I am a Roman and a Romanista, so naturally the fans feel this bond and acclaim me. I can only do my best.”