The Hyundai A-League could see two Italian superstars go head-to-head next season with reports Brisbane Roar are interested in luring Francesco Totti to the club.
The Hyundai A-League could see two Italian superstars go head-to-head next season with reports Brisbane Roar are interested in luring World Cup winner Francesco Totti to the club.
In a bid to replicate the unprecedented success Sydney FC has experienced from seeing Alessandro Del Piero in Sky Blue, Roar see the AS Roma legend as being able to attract a similar following for the league leaders.
Totti assumes legendary status worldwide for his football wizardry, longevity, and the fact he has dedicated his entire senior club career to one club - a rare achievement in modern football.
The 37-year-old has made an unrivalled 551 appearances for Roma, amassing 232 goals since his debut back in 1992. While the striker-s current contract is not due to expire until 2016, Roar have admitted the prospect of luring the Serie A legend to Brisbane is definitely on their radar.
“It would be great for Brisbane Roar if we could sign a great champion like Totti,” Brisbane Roar Chairman Chris Fong told Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport.
“He is an incredible player and everybody knows him. Del Piero has become an icon at Sydney and Francesco could achieve the same at us.
“He is already a legend and he will be received like a king in Australia. The A-League is on the rise ever since the arrival of Del Piero.
“I know that Totti means to Roma, but you never know what will happen in football.”
While for some Totti remains a revered figure Down Under for converting the controversial penalty that eliminated the Socceroos from the 2006 World Cup, there is no denying his standing in the game.
The success of Del Piero for the Sky Blues has demonstrated the potential value a marquee signing can bring to a club. While the former Juventus star is yet to commit his future beyond this season, the prospect of these two superstars lining up against each other is one that will have football fans salivating.
Click here to get your tickets to this weekend-s Hyundai A-League matches.