Back in the days when Francesco Totti was considered one of the best players in the world, the early 2000's. That time, Florentino Perez was serving his first term as Real Madrid's president, he was constantly looking to sign the best players for Los Blancos. The boss wanted to have the best players from many countries and make that team work, he already had Figo, Zidane, Ronaldo, Beckham, Raul and Roberto Carlos.
There was a moment when he craved having Francesco Totti in his ranks, he even struck a deal with AS Roma, but Totti was convinced by his family to stay with the club of his life. It's a matter of principles which has turned Totti into a revered figure not only in the club, but he is also considered one of Rome's greatest treasures.
Talking to Corriere dello Sport, Totti revealed that: "Real were trying very hard to sign me. It was the only club in the world that I would've left Roma for, albeit with great sadness. I did think about it very seriously. However, fortunately, my family, friends and wife helped me understand why I should I remain at Roma. I consider that a great gift. Would I have gone? I can say no now, but at that moment I was pretty decided. It wasn't going to be leaving for a normal team, but for the best in the world."
Photo credit: AS Roma