Francesco Totti Comments on Roma Situation, Luciano Spalletti, More

AS Roma legend Francesco Totti has reportedly been sent home ahead of his side's clash with Palermo following recent claims he is not happy at the club.

News of the 39-year-old's omission came courtesy of BT Sport's Italian football expert, James Horncastle:

Previously, Totti had voiced his displeasure with his current situation, revealing he doesn't have a great relationship with new manager Luciano Spalletti and could leave his boyhood club if things don't change.

The veteran forward is a club legend and one of the most popular players on the Italian peninsula, but he has barely seen the pitch since Spalletti took over for former boss Rudi Garcia. With his contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign, Totti sent a clear warning to the Roma board in an interview with TG1 on RAI (h/t Football Italia):

"

I still feel like a player who is physically in good shape and I want to play.

The injury is behind me now and if I don’t play it is purely down to a tactical decision.

I can’t stay at Roma like this. It hurts to be on the bench. I understand at my age that I play less, but ending my career like this is bad for me as a man and what I’ve given to Roma. I demand more respect for all I’ve done here.

What is my rapport like with Spalletti? We say ‘good morning’ and ‘good evening.’ That’s it. He said such nice things in the papers, but not to my face.

I respect him as a coach and think he has what it takes to remain at Roma.

My contract expires in June, I await news from (President James) Pallotta and will evaluate the situation.

I expect the fairness of people telling me the reality of the situation and how things really are.

"

The 39-year-old made his senior debut with the Giallorossi in 1992 and quickly established himself as one of the most talented forwards in Serie A. While he has won only one domestic title and two Coppa Italia trophies with the club, he ranks as one of Roma's greatest players and has been fiercely loyal to the team throughout his career.

Last year, he revealed he could have joined La Liga giants Real Madrid in 2004, when he was at the peak of his abilities and considered arguably the greatest forward in the world. Speaking to AS (h/t Football Italia), he said he instead elected to stay with Roma, a choice he made with his heart.

Current greats like Luka Modric have nothing but respect for Totti, as the Croatian made clear on Twitter:

Per WhoScored.com, he has started only two Serie A matches all season long, making an additional three appearances off the bench. In those limited minutes, he managed to provide a crucial assist in the match against Frosinone, as well as score a goal in the 2-2 draw against Sassuolo.

While Roma fans would hate to see the club legend move to a new team during the summer, his fractured relationship with Spalletti means it may be inevitable. Totti will turn 40 in September and clearly feels he still has a lot to offer, even if he understands his role can't be what it was while he was in his prime.

The situation is reminiscent of Alessandro Del Piero's exit from Juventus. The 2006 FIFA World Cup winner was one of the team's most popular players and immortalised himself when he stayed with the Bianconeri when they were demoted in 2006.

Per Horncastle, his departure for Sydney FC left a sour taste in the fans' mouths, and a similar scenario involving Totti is one Roma will be desperate to avoid.