The son of Roma and Italy legend Francesco Totti has retired from football aged just 19.
Cristian Totti called time on his career before it had even started last week, revealing his decision to Italian outlet La Nuova.
The teenage star is Totti’s eldest child from his previous relationship with ex-wife Ilary Blasi and had hoped to follow in his fathers footsteps.
“I can’t say anything… Yes, I’m retiring, I’ve decided,” Cristian told a reporter.
Reports in Italy claim the reasons behind the sudden change of heart is due to the difficulties in living up to his father’s name.
Cristian had also struggled to adapt to the media spotlight and was the target of social media trolls who had commented about his physical condition.
Totti Jr began his career in Roma’s youth team before going on to represent the academies of Frosinone and Spanish side Rayo Vallecano.
He later returned to his homeland to play for Serie D sides Avezzano and Olbia.
His final coach was ex-AC Milan goalkeeper Marco Amelia who fielded the youngster in 156 minutes over six matches before his deal was terminated last December.
Amelia himself believes the weight of following his father proved too much to bear for Cristian.
“I wanted him because he was a player with great ability. A midfielder capable of setting up play, reading between the defensive lines, creating, but also good at recovering when not in possession,” Amelia told the outlet.
“I think he would have had a great career ahead of him as a player in Serie C and Serie B. Being Totti’s son had an impact on his evaluations.”
francescotottiCristian played in both Italy and Spain during his short-lived career[/caption]Meanwhile, Italian journalist Paolo Ardovino said: “His last experience was in Sardinia, a year ago with Olbia in Serie D.
“Few appearances, a lot of media pressure, and even a huge social media controversy over his questionable physical condition.
“Spoiler: it wasn’t true; he’s always had the normal physique of a normal footballer.”
Cristian will now turn his attention to scouting where he will work alongside brother Riccardo at the Totti Soccer School in Italy.
His new role will see him identify up and coming talent while working closely with the academy’s general manager Claudio D’Ulisse.
Who is Totti and how did he set the bar so high?
Totti was always going to be a tough act to follow.
AFPFrancesco Totti is Roma’s all-time highest appearance maker with 786[/caption] Totti called time on his career in 2017getty GettyTotti won the World Cup in 2006[/caption]The Italian enjoyed a stellar 25-year career at the highest level, making 785 appearances for the Giallorossi and ended his career in 2017 as a one-club player.
Able to play as an attacking midfielder or a forward, Totti’s playmaking and lethal finishing made him a dual threat in Rome.
Widely viewed as one of Italy’s greatest ever players, Totti helped Roma land the Serie A title in 2001 and later added two Coppa Italia triumphs.
However, his greatest achievement was helping Italy win the World Cup in 2006 after beating France on penalties in Berlin, while he was named in the All-Star team at that tournament and Euro 2000.
Totti also had a notable lack of discipline on occasion and drew 11 red cards in Serie A – one for kicking Mario Balotelli – the sixth most in the division’s history.
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