According to Il Messaggero, Roma has decided not to retire the number 10 shirt that was until a few weeks ago worn by Francesco Totti, who is in agreement with that choice. The legendary Totti was a symbol for the club since the 2000s, and was their point of reference as the number 10 both on and off the field. A purely homegrown talent, Roma’s prolific player has had an amazing career. His 250 goals in 618 matches puts him among Italy’s best goal scorers of all time, and definitely of the current generation.

But at age 40 together with the club, the long standing captain has decided to no longer continue his journey with the Giallorossi. Having played in the first team since the early ‘90s, it is a rather awkward illusion to not see Francesco in a Roma jersey anymore. And the player and club have taken their respect towards each other one step further. Today reports have come out that Roma will not retire the number 10 jersey, much the same way Juventus did not for Del Piero. Both players willing to accept the fact that the specialness of that jersey number needs to be a goal for future players, who also deserve the opportunity to win the hearts of the fans they way they did. For Roma fans (like Juve fans who watched Pogba in #10) it will not seem fitting for another player to wear the jersey right away, but in time perhaps one will come...