Totti responds to huge controversy over Russia event on April 8

Francesco Totti released a statement responding to criticism about his upcoming visit to Russia and refused to accept a joke award about the controversial incident.

The Roma legend and 2006 World Cup winner for Italy is scheduled to be the guest of honour at an awards ceremony in Moscow on April 8.

Considering the invasion of neighbouring Ukraine and the on-going attacks, which saw Russia excluded from all sporting events, the decision to be part of this event sparked a furious reaction from fans and politicians in Italy.

Totti hits back at critics of Russia trip

Now Totti has spoken to news agency Ansa in response to the criticism.

“My work trip to Moscow has for days sparked infinite controversy, but I am not a politician, nor a diplomat.

“I am a man of sport who promotes these values all over the world. I have always done that: first as a player and now in this new role. For years, I’ve gone to any country that invited me to talk about sport and I would have no problem going to Kyiv to do the same.

“Having said that, if I received a request from the authorities not to participate in the Moscow event, I would not hesitate one moment to take a step back.

“I find anything else to be hypocrisy and speculation from those who want to gain visibility by using my name.”

Italian television show Striscia La Notizia has for decades handed out the Tapiro d’Oro trophy as a joke award to people who had some bad news coverage.

Totti has been given many over the years, but this time he refused to play along.

While presenter Valerio Staffelli walked alongside him down the road asking questions, Totti did not say a word, nor did he accept the golden tapir made of polystyrene.