Totti turned down the comeback: no to Como despite Cesc’s pitch

Francesco Totti is back in the spotlight with the story of a “near comeback.” In his autobiography Oltre, published this Tuesday, the former captain of AS Roma claims he refused an approach from Cesc Fàbregas to join Como, when he was 48.

The episode, he says, took place roughly two years ago. Totti explains that the Como proposal wasn’t the only one he had on the table: he also received an offer from Genoa, and both decisions are framed as being tied to the same belief—he didn’t want to “betray” the club of his life, Roma.

No to Serie A and both clubs

In the book, Totti is blunt about his stance. He writes that he said no to Serie A, that he rejected Genoa, and that he also rejected Como. He adds details about the ages involved at the time, saying the Genoa coach was Alberto Gilardino (42) and that Fàbregas was 37.

He also underlines that he seriously considered returning because he felt his physical condition allowed it. Even so, the key question for him remained: could he play for a club that wasn’t Roma?

Training—and the inner fight

Totti says that before giving his answer to both sides, he took time and trained. He mentions keeping his Monday football sessions, adding three gym workouts per week and two with a physiotherapist, plus strict dietary changes—saying he cut out bread and sweets.

Still, the body’s “yes” didn’t win. As he puts it, the heart ultimately prevailed: in his view, a sporting betrayal has no age. The autobiography, co-written with Alessandro Alciato, is on sale this Tuesday, as reported by Mundo Deportivo.