Post by Emiz on Jul 21, 2007 14:00:58 GMT -5
Roma captain Francesco Totti announced his retirement from the Italian national team on Friday.
Totti made his debut with the senior side in 1998 and ends his international career after 58 appearances and nine goals for the Azzurri.
"The word 'end' is an ugly word," Totti said in a press conference on Friday. "But I have taken this decision to end my chapter with the national team for physical reasons."
The Roma captain finished as Serie A's top scorer last season with 26 goals, an achievement that earned him the European Golden Boot - the award given to the top scorer in all the European leagues.
The 30-year-old striker has not played for his country since the World Cup final in Germany last summer.
Totti recovered from a serious foot injury in time to help the Azzurri win the World Cup.
He opted to take time off from international football claiming he wasn't fully fit to help the Azzurri in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, much to the disappointment of coach Roberto Donadoni.
"I have pondered this decision for a year," Totti said. "But I have decided to conclude my experience with Italy in order not to create any problems within the group or the coaching staff. I am sad but health is the most important thing."
Totti has endured ups and downs while representing the Azzurri for almost a decade. He was named man of the match in the Euro 2000 final against France, which saw Les Bleus come out triumphant.
Two years later, Totti was sent off as Italy lost to South Korea in the second round of the World Cup after receiving a second yellow card for diving.
The Roma playmaker again made headlines for the wrong reasons at Euro 2004 when he spat at Denmark midfielder Christian Poulsen.
Totti was handed a three-match ban, but did not play in the tournament again as Italy failed to qualify for the next round.
Totti's absence has not hindered the world champions in their Euro 2008 qualifiers so far.
The Italians are second in Group B, two points behind France after seven games.
Totti made his debut with the senior side in 1998 and ends his international career after 58 appearances and nine goals for the Azzurri.
"The word 'end' is an ugly word," Totti said in a press conference on Friday. "But I have taken this decision to end my chapter with the national team for physical reasons."
The Roma captain finished as Serie A's top scorer last season with 26 goals, an achievement that earned him the European Golden Boot - the award given to the top scorer in all the European leagues.
The 30-year-old striker has not played for his country since the World Cup final in Germany last summer.
Totti recovered from a serious foot injury in time to help the Azzurri win the World Cup.
He opted to take time off from international football claiming he wasn't fully fit to help the Azzurri in the Euro 2008 qualifiers, much to the disappointment of coach Roberto Donadoni.
"I have pondered this decision for a year," Totti said. "But I have decided to conclude my experience with Italy in order not to create any problems within the group or the coaching staff. I am sad but health is the most important thing."
Totti has endured ups and downs while representing the Azzurri for almost a decade. He was named man of the match in the Euro 2000 final against France, which saw Les Bleus come out triumphant.
Two years later, Totti was sent off as Italy lost to South Korea in the second round of the World Cup after receiving a second yellow card for diving.
The Roma playmaker again made headlines for the wrong reasons at Euro 2004 when he spat at Denmark midfielder Christian Poulsen.
Totti was handed a three-match ban, but did not play in the tournament again as Italy failed to qualify for the next round.
Totti's absence has not hindered the world champions in their Euro 2008 qualifiers so far.
The Italians are second in Group B, two points behind France after seven games.