Francesco Totti continues to face an uncertain future this summer, with rumours linking Leicester City with an interest in the Italian icon.
The 39-year-old’s contract expires at the end of the season, and following his public spat with coach Luciano Spalletti last month, it has been suggested that his future may lie elsewhere.
While Roma have a deal in place for Totti to become a director at the club when he opts to end his playing career, it appears as though the former Italian international wants to play on and that could see him forced to consider other options.
According to ItaSportPress, Roma President James Pallotta has received negative reports about the veteran’s physical condition which in turn has cast doubts over his desire to offer a new deal.
In turn, that has opened the door for Claudio Ranieri to explore the possibility of signing Totti this summer, and according to talkSPORT, the pair have already spoken about the latter moving to England next season and featuring in the Premier League.
Although Totti still possesses great technical ability, his lack of playing time in recent years, coupled with his injury woes and advanced years, ensure that a move to England at this stage of this career could have disastrous consequences.
Having spent his entire career in Serie A with the Giallorossi, Totti has impressed by benefiting from the tempo and style of play in his homeland. Particularly at 39, the World Cup winner needs time and space on the ball in order to influence proceedings, and that is something he will not be afforded in the Premier League.
As a result, a move to MLS or perhaps a big-spending club in China appears to be a better option for the veteran if he indeed wants to continue playing.
While his presence in England would certainly be a major coup for the Premier League, it makes no sense for him to make the move now as he edges ever closer to retirement and it will risk partly ruining his legacy with a less than impressive end to his time on the field.