There are many valid points, and I guess it is hard for me to understand the pressure that comes from scrutiny of world-class professional such as Totti (which he undoubtedly is). Thinking about it, Baggio himself has missed fair bit of qualifiers, but then again no man has been slighted more by his own NT than the great man. A lot of times, it was Arrigo Sacchi own decision to leave Baggio out of the squad. His determination to give all, and overcome that injury so that he can play at Japan Korea WC in spite of his age was so heart-warming. Would he have been so determined had he won the thing in 94? I don't know. But all I know, Baggio is a human being who is willing to exert himself until he got nothing left, and do not hestitate to suffer the embarrasment of playing for likes of Bologna and Brescia if that means extending his career.
This is why I am somewhat critical of Totti. I still honestly believe, despite what he says, play at this level for many many years, and have yet to show the world what he is truly capable of. Baggio, in spite of not winning the whole thing, can boast a track record which nobody can argue; 90, 94, 98. But Totti's do not get such universal recognition as it is evident from this board. Its pity because he is such a wonderful player to watch. I understand that spending time with family, friends, and not going through criticism is comfortable and desirable. But because of such difficult process in the way, the joy of winning is so much sweeter. And I don't see why this Azzurri team cannot challenge for big honours. Players like Aquilani, Rosina, Montolivo, Pazzini, Chiellini, Nocerino are really really really good players and add that mix to already strong group they have, I think Totti has still got a good chance to collect couple of more trophies along the way if lucky. He is only 30 or 31. As a fan of this beautiful game, I would like to see him playing highest level for a bit more. But you are totally right. Fans are critically to the longevity of sports. People should think a bit more before they write or say in newspaper or TV.
This is why I am somewhat critical of Totti. I still honestly believe, despite what he says, play at this level for many many years, and have yet to show the world what he is truly capable of. Baggio, in spite of not winning the whole thing, can boast a track record which nobody can argue; 90, 94, 98. But Totti's do not get such universal recognition as it is evident from this board. Its pity because he is such a wonderful player to watch. I understand that spending time with family, friends, and not going through criticism is comfortable and desirable. But because of such difficult process in the way, the joy of winning is so much sweeter. And I don't see why this Azzurri team cannot challenge for big honours. Players like Aquilani, Rosina, Montolivo, Pazzini, Chiellini, Nocerino are really really really good players and add that mix to already strong group they have, I think Totti has still got a good chance to collect couple of more trophies along the way if lucky. He is only 30 or 31. As a fan of this beautiful game, I would like to see him playing highest level for a bit more. But you are totally right. Fans are critically to the longevity of sports. People should think a bit more before they write or say in newspaper or TV.
