Francesco Totti’s 25 years of distinguished service with Roma have been formally recognised by UEFA.
The 40-year-old striker called time on his long career with the Serie A club on Sunday, featuring in his last match for the Giallorossi as a second-half substitute in the home victory over Genoa.
In recognition of his on-pitch achievements and dedication to a single club for a generation, Totti has landed the UEFA President’s Award, granted by European football chief Aleksander Ceferin.
In a statement the Slovenian said: “The President’s Award recognises outstanding achievements, professional excellence and exemplary personal qualities.
“These attributes are personified by Francesco Totti – a man who has given around a quarter of a century of his life playing for his beloved Roma.
“Congratulations, Francesco, for a fantastic career and for your extraordinary loyalty and dedication, to Roma and to football.”
Previous winners include Franz Beckenbauer, Sir Bobby Charlton and the late Johan Cruyff.
After making his debut as a 16-year-old in March 1993, Totti made 786 appearances in all competitions for Roma, scoring 250 goals in Serie A.
He won one Italian title, in 2001, and lifted the World Cup with Italy in Germany five years later.
A six-year directorship has been offered by Roma, but Totti might still pursue a new playing challenge as he has not yet confirmed his retirement from football.
