Football: Totti irked by fan insults

ROME: Francesco Totti has reacted angrily to criticism from his usually loyal fans by threatening to leave the club if the insults do not cease. The emblematic 35-year-old is revered by the majority of Roma fans, who love him more than they do the club itself. However, he received unprecedented hostility after missing a second-half penalty that cost his club a victory over Juventus on Monday. Totti is said to have been abused by some fans close to his home in Rome. “If I am Roma’s problem, as I’ve heard, then I’ll think about leaving,” said Totti. “I don’t like hearing certain things said about me by Roma fans.”

Published in The Express Tribune, December 16^th, 2011.