Report: Roma's Totti to sign 1-year contract extension
Francesco Totti could spend another season in Rome after all.
The long-time Roma captain is about to sign a one-year extension with the only club he has known, according to La Gazzetta dello Sport, signalling an end to a controversial standoff in the Italian capital.
Roma will reportedly announce the news ahead of the season finale at the Stadio Olimpico on May 8, allowing fans the opportunity to celebrate their idol during the match against Chievo.
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Totti, whose current contract expires in the summer, has split opinions in his 23rd season with the Giallorossi. Manager Luciano Spalletti made clear his intention to sideline the 39-year-old after replacing Rudi Garcia on the bench.
The two engaged in a war of words in February, as Totti demanded more respect and complained about his limited role on Italian television. Club president James Palotta initially seemed hesitant to sanction a contract renewal, despite reports that Totti had offered to play next year for free.
By any means, he will likely have to accept a pay cut, but the prospect of playing into his 40s is now a real possibility.
Totti has still managed to make a difference from the bench. He scored the equaliser in a 3-3 draw at Atalanta, only to better that cameo appearance with two goals in the final five minutes of a 3-2 victory over Torino.