<
>

Tokyo Verdy give up on Francesco Totti with striker expected to take Roma role

Tokyo Verdy president Hideaki Hanyu has said they will not sign Roma legend Francesco Totti because his family had reservations about the move.

Totti, 40, is available after spending a quarter of a century at Roma and the Japanese second-division side had targeted the former Italy international.

However, Hanyu told Nikkan Sports in quotes translated by AFP: "Ultimately he was unable to get his family's blessing.

"I really wanted to see Totti pull on a Verdy uniform. I was ready to fly to Italy tomorrow. I'm unhappy with the agent, but this has been a valuable learning experience."

Totti has also been linked with a move to the United States but indicated in recent days that he would remain at Roma and take on a role as director.