Totti poised for Roma return as Gasperini seeks operational role

Francesco Totti is close to returning to Roma after negotiations were revived, with manager Gian Piero Gasperini personally pushing for the club icon's comeback. A move that had stalled in recent months has gained momentum following a dinner in central Rome in March, and Gasperini said, "I have an idea of what to do with someone like him." The Friedkin Group originally proposed a largely ceremonial position as a "Centenary Ambassador," offering a one-year contract with the option to extend until 2028.

Disagreement over the nature of the role and money — with Roma reportedly offering around €500,000 to €600,000 while Totti sought roughly double — led to a two-month stalemate. Gasperini wants Totti to play an operational part rather than act as a figurehead. He sees the former captain as a bridge between the first team and the board, able to read the locker-room atmosphere and help defuse issues before they escalate, and has urged the Friedkins to reassess their initial stance.

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