'Hurt' Totti considers Roma exit after abuse from fans

The Italian playmaker Francesco Totti is considering quitting Roma after he was insulted by his own fans in an Italian Cup match delayed by protests and smoke bombs.

The Italian playmaker Francesco Totti is considering quitting Roma after he was insulted by his own fans in an Italian Cup match delayed by protests and smoke bombs.

"Totti, a fury," was yesterday's banner headline on the front-page of the Rome-based sports daily Corriere dello Sport. "Totti is angry, ready to bid farewell," La Gazzetta dello Sport said.

The 28-year-old had said in the past that he might consider leaving Roma, often demanding that a competitive team be built around him. But he had never before been the subject of a strong protest by supporters.

On Thursday Roma beat Siena 5-1 but the game was overshadowed by the protests, which started during the first half when Roma fans hurled smoke bombs on to the field. With visibility almost nonexistent, the match was suspended for 70 minutes.

When Totti approached fans to ask them to stop, they booed and threw bottles at him. "It really hurt," Totti said. "I will be thinking of this very much, and in June I will evaluate."

Yesterday's Corriere della Sera quoted Totti as saying, "I don't understand it, I don't deserve it and I don't accept it. It's a huge rift and I don't know if and when it can be healed."

* Louis van Gaal has agreed a three-year contract to take over at AZ Alkmaar next season. The former Netherlands, Barcelona and Ajax coach will succeed Co Adriaanse.