Francesco Totti has rejected Roma’s first official proposal for a return to the club — at least for now.
According to reports, the former captain turned down the initial offer presented by the Friedkin ownership regarding a role as club ambassador for Roma’s centenary celebrations. The proposed deal was reportedly a two-year contract worth just over €500,000 net per season, for a total package slightly above €1 million.
The offer was considered insufficient by Totti’s camp. Even today, the legendary No. 10 reportedly earns between €8 million and €10 million annually through commercial partnerships and sponsorship deals across Europe, Asia, and South America. For that reason, the Friedkins’ opening proposal was viewed as too low financially.
Despite the rejection, negotiations have not collapsed. Both sides are still believed to be interested in reaching an agreement that would finally bring Roma’s greatest-ever player back to the club in an official role. However, new meetings and improved financial terms will likely be required before any deal can be finalized.
There had already been signs in recent weeks that discussions were progressing more slowly than initially expected. When Claudio Ranieri first publicly revealed the talks between the Friedkins and Totti, the news generated enormous excitement. But after the initial buzz, silence quickly followed — a sign that complications had emerged behind the scenes.
Officially, the delays were partially attributed to Totti’s highly publicized divorce proceedings with his ex-wife. A decisive hearing originally scheduled for April 30 was postponed to May 21. Still, it has become increasingly clear that the real obstacle goes beyond personal matters.
The issue is not only financial. Totti is also reportedly considering a return in a more operational role — one much closer to the team than a simple ambassadorial position. Following Ranieri’s departure, the former captain is said to be evaluating whether there could be room for a more influential role inside the sporting structure.
That topic was reportedly discussed during Totti’s now-famous dinner with Gian Piero Gasperini. The meeting, which became highly publicized in the Italian media, reportedly did not sit well with Roma’s upper management or ownership, particularly because the Friedkin family strongly values discretion and privacy. Gasperini himself later admitted publicly that he greatly appreciated the meeting with Totti.
There is also reportedly discussion about organizing a special match between Roma legends and international football legends to celebrate Totti’s 50th birthday next September.
Now, with Ryan Friedkin expected to remain at Trigoria over the coming days, likely after the Verona match, a direct meeting between the vice president and Totti could soon take place in hopes of finding an agreement.
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