Roma legend claims Italy would not have won 2006 World Cup without him
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineFrancesco Totti has claimed Italy would not have won the 2006 World Cup without his contribution, while recalling the injury problems he battled during the tournament.
The Roma legend reflected on Italy’s triumph in Germany during an interview with Corriere dello Sport to mark his 50th birthday.
Totti said winning the World Cup elevated his status beyond being regarded solely as a Roma icon and helped establish him as an international football great.
Looking back on the tournament, Totti made a bold claim about Italy’s success while admitting he was not fully fit.
“If I hadn’t played they wouldn’t have won it,” Totti joked.
“That World Cup gave me the strength to be important outside Rome too.
“If I had only won one Scudetto, two Coppa Italias and two Supercoppas I would have stayed ‘inside the ring road’.
“Instead I won it and, even though I was at 40 per cent, I made a big contribution. Not everyone wins a World Cup.”
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- Roma legend claims Italy would not have won 2006 World Cup without him
Totti had fractured his left ankle in February 2006 and underwent emergency surgery as he raced to recover in time for the tournament.
Despite his limited match fitness, he started six of Italy’s seven matches at the World Cup and finished the competition with one goal and four assists.
Reflecting on the period he considered the peak of his career, Totti said: “Between 2001 and 2008 I felt really good. I was ’embarrassing’ for how strong I felt.”
The former Italy international was also asked about criticism that he was not a vocal leader in the dressing room.
Totti admitted he preferred to lead through his performances on the pitch rather than speeches before matches.
“I’ve always been of the view that the pitch was what counted,” Totti admitted.
“Outside it, everyone is good at talking.
“They would say to me: why don’t you say something to the team before the game?
“But I have to go and play football, I have to enjoy myself. I never felt tension before a match.”
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