Former captain of AS Roma football club Francesco Totti arrived on Monday to Moscow as a peculiar guest of the event, organized by the bookmaking company. 48-year-old erstwhile footballer was invited to Russia as “The Emperor of Rome” – this is how he was portrayed on advertising billboards.
Francesco Totti flew to Moscow
The advertisement utilized a photograph of Totti in a No. 10 T-shirt where he played in a Roman club from 1992 to 2017.
The organizer of the Tuesday event with its participation is the largest company in Russia, accepting sports betting. He'll get it from her. international award.
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FeeIt's covered in mystery. Ansa informs that it is the amount “with six zeros”. Ex-As-Roma's companion 19-year-old boy of Cristianwho is besides a footballer.
In connection with the protests that the travel information caused in Italy, Francesco Totti told Ansa agency in late March: – My business trip to Moscow has been generating endless polemics for many days. I'm not a politician or a diplomat, I'm a sportsman who promotes his values in the world. I have always done this – before as a footballer, and now in a fresh function – he said.
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– I've been going to all the countries that invitation me to talk about sports for years. I wouldn't have any problem going to Kiev for the same intent – noted erstwhile AS Romy captain, planet champion (2006) and European runner-up (2000) with Italian representation.
– So if I had been asked by a competent authority not to participate in the event in Moscow, I would not hesitate to take a step backwards. I think everything else is hypocrisy and speculation from those who want to be noticed, utilizing my name – Totti said.
Fans and politicians protests
Italian media reported protests, The announcement of this trip.
“Italy loves you, don’t go there”, “It’s a shame” – specified comments were quoted in the press.
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Ansa quoted the following comment from social media: "After 3 years of war in Ukraine, which caused thousands of victims and the abduction of thousands of children, there are Italians who are going to bow down to Putin's regime".
From the Eternal City, centre-left politician Andrea Massaroni He appealed to a erstwhile legendary footballer to quit his journey to Moscow.
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– Francesco Totti is much more than a large sports champion for Rome, Italy and millions of people in the world. It is. a symbol of long - suffering, hearts and affirmative values. Therefore, we address him with a sincere and cordial appeal: Francesco, Rome loves you for your heart and your generosity. Do not let them be associated with individual who tramples on human rights and democracy. Stay on the right side of past – he called for Roman politicians.
== sync, corrected by elderman ==
