No Italy return for Totti

Roma captain Francesco Totti has ruled out a return to international football despite Italy qualifying for the finals of Euro 2008.

Totti played his last game for Italy in the World Cup final against France in Berlin last summer before announcing his wish to retire from international duty.

Roma fans had hoped the 31-year-old would play again for the Azzurri but the player has emphatically ruled out a return for the finals in Austria and Switzerland.

“I took the decision to leave the national team after the World Cup final,” said Totti.

“Since announcing to the Federation my decision to quit the national team, I have not thought of returning, not even in the case of Italy qualifying for the European Championship finals nor in the case of failure.

“I know the rules of the squad and out of respect, I have never thought about or would think about returning.

“I wish my colleagues the best of luck for the European finals.”