Totti about ref comments: I was joking

(GSM) – Roma legend Francesco Totti says he was only joking when he said that referees in Italy helped Internazionale rob a couple of Serie A titles from the Giallorossi.

Totti was called before the Italian Football Federation’s (Figc) disciplinary authorities for his comments which were made during an interview with the Roma Channel.

“While the others (Inter) are better they’ve always been granted favours. We’ve been robbed of two titles,” Totti said before suggesting that the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal was not a thing of the past.

“Only the colours have changed. There’s always a lack of whistles being blown.”

Now, the veteran striker has tried to to mend fences with Inter.

“It was all born out of a joke,” Totti said. “I only told an old wives’ tale. I also said that Inter deserved to win three trophies and that we lost the Scudetto against Sampdoria, but none of this has been taken into account.”

Totti doesn’t think the Nerazzurri will be weakened after José Mourinho’s departure to Real Madrid.

“Not much has changed from Mourinho to Benitez. He is a great Coach and Aquilani has told me that he is also a very clever person.

“I am convinced that a team of champions like Inter will manage to work well.”

The 32-year-old club icon then gave an insight into his own pre-season.

“I worked during the holidays. For me, it’s fundamental to stay in shape seeing the problem with my knee. Now I am two kilos underweight. It’s better this way.

“Our objective is to win something, as a team we are worthy of the Scudetto, but if I had to choose, I’d say the Champions league: it’s the only important trophy that I am missing.

“My personal objective is that of beating Roberto Baggio’s record of 205 goals in Serie A. I am convinced that I’ll be able to do it this season.

“We want to start on the right foot in the Italian Super Cup and win a trophy quickly because it’s important. It would be a little revenge for us,” he concluded.