Francesco Totti on 2006 World Cup: 'Italy wouldn't have won without me'
Francesco Totti feels the 2006 World Cup propelled him beyond being a figure solely associated with Rome. He's certain of his impact on that victory.
During a conversation with Corriere dello Sport for his 50th birthday, Totti was asked if the tournament defined his career.
"If I hadn’t played, they wouldn’t have won it," he stated, with a laugh. "That World Cup allowed me to become important beyond Rome. Without it, winning just a Scudetto, two Coppa Italias, and two Supercoppas would have kept me confined to the capital. Instead, I won the World Cup, and even at 40% fitness, I made a significant contribution. Not everyone wins a World Cup."
Totti's mention of 40% fitness isn't false modesty. He fractured his left ankle in February 2006, requiring surgery. He returned for the tournament with minimal match sharpness but started six of Italy's seven games. He finished the competition with one goal and four assists, leading all players in the finals for assists.
He identified a broader period as his peak. "Between 2001 and 2008, I felt exceptionally strong. I was almost 'embarrassing' with how good I felt."
Totti also addressed the recurring idea that he wasn't a vocal presence in the locker room, and he didn't strongly refute it.
"My philosophy has always been that performance on the pitch mattered most. Off the pitch, talking is easy for anyone. They'd ask me why I didn't address the team before a game. But my job was to play football, to enjoy myself. I never felt pre-game tension."
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