“I feel like it'd be better if I died.” - Totti

Francesco Totti has criticised members of the board at his boyhood club, Roma, in an extraordinary press conference in which he announced he was departing the club.

The Italian legend is finally departing Roma after 30 years and has hit out at the club's hierarchy. 

Totti had an amazing 25 seasons as a player at Roma before becoming a director at the Serie A team.

Recently, his relationship with president James Pallotta deteriorated. However, in a conference that lasted over an hour an emotional Totti lashed out at members of the board.

"I resign as a Roma executive," said the 2006 World Cup winner.

"I was hoping that this day never came, instead this ugly and heavy day has arrived.”

"This is far worse than retiring as a player. Leaving Roma is like dying. I feel like it'd be better if I died."

Totti, who enjoyed a World Cup success with Italy in 2006, spent his entire playing career with Roma. 

In 1989, he made his debut for the Seria A giants and went to appear 786 times for the club, scoring 307 goals in all competitions. He won Serie A in 2001.

Later in the press conference, Totti aim a dig at both Pallotta and club consultant Franco Baldini.

"This is a club to be loved and supported. There shouldn't be pro-Totti, pro-Pallotta or pro-Baldini factions. Just Roma fans.” said Totti

"As I said, presidents pass, coaches pass, players pass, but the flags do not. They knew my intentions and what I wanted, to give so much to this club and team, but they never wanted me to, in all honesty. They excluded me from every decision."

"I wasn’t ever going to change Roma, but at least give a contribution. Many promises were made, very few of them real. As a fan, that disappoints me, because as a fan, I have dreams of seeing Roma compete at the top.”

“Even if we don’t win the Scudetto, we can compete and maybe win a trophy or two. Unfortunately, there are financial problems and they have to be respected.”

“If we have to sell because this year we are running at a loss of €50-60m, we can’t sell youth players and get that amount of money. We have to sell important players. That’s how it works. This isn’t a surprise to anyone.”

“Did someone stab me in the back at Trigoria? Yes. I will never name names, but there are people in there who don’t want me there. These people are hurting Roma, not doing what is best for the club.”

Totti’s direction in forging ahead is unclear, but his departure comes not long after fellow Roman Daniele de Rossi left the club after 18 years service.

"The main focus of certain people has been to remove Romans from Roma," Totti claimed. "In the end, the truth came out, because they achieved what they wanted."

"If I was the president of Roma and had two icons like Totti and De Rossi, I'd put them in charge of everything."

Roma had a disappointing campaign, finishing the league in sixth position and consequently missing out on Champions League qualification. Arguably, the apparent unrest behind the scenes is ideal preparation for the upcoming summer transfer window.