WATCH: Scenes of emotion, affection and celebration as Francesco Totti plays his final game for Roma

 "At some point in life, you grow up – that’s what I’ve been told and that’s what time has decided. Damned time," with his wishes clear to return to 1989 and relive his Roma journey again.

Totti realises that life will never be the same, and his fear of the future was clear for all to see.

Football was a fantasy world for him.

"We have to grow up. As of tomorrow, you’ll be an adult. Take off those shorts and boots because starting today, you are a man. You can no longer enjoy the smell of the grass, the sun on your face as you bear down on the opposition’s goal, the adrenaline consuming you, the joy of celebrating. It’s really over now," he said in disbelief.

"I’m proud and happy to have given you 28 years of love.""I love you," said the Italian, and every single spectator of the 70,000 present at the Stadio Olimpico believed him."