i Giallorossi's Iconic Number 10

In a game full of raw young talent, it was one of Italy’s oldest servants that proved to be the decisive factor. At the tender age of 35, Francesco Totti proved that he had lost none of his class as he guided his team to a 3-1 victory away to Inter Milan earlier this week. His performance in the San Siro was reminiscent of how he used to tear defences apart when in his prime.

Injuries and a change in formation have restricted Totti’s contribution to Roma’s play in recent years, yet after this Man of the Match display, new coach Zdenek Zeman will look to use the talisman as an attacking focal point.

A natural trequartista, Totti has been providing creativity and inspiration to Roma for two decades. In addition, he also played more than 50 times for his country, scoring nine goals.

After being spotted playing on the streets of Rome as a child, scouts from AC Milan offered the young gifted player the chance to play for the Rossoneri, however his parents declined this lucrative proposal to keep their son in Italy’s capital. And it wasn’t long before AS Roma came calling.

Adored from the terraces in the Stadio Olimpico, Rome’s most treasured gladiator wears his heart, as well as the captains armband, on his sleeve when wearing the colours of his beloved club. Having been playing in Italy’s capital for twenty years, Totti demonstrates a type of loyalty that is rare in the modern game.

This weeks outstanding performance against Inter Milan was perfect proof that clubs do not need to go abroad spending hundreds of millions on players when there is talent to be nurtured on their front door step. Totti did not cost the club any money in transfer fees but has provided them with something money cannot always buy, success achieved with loyalty and honesty.