Italy international Alberto Aquilani said fond words about Roma legend Francesco Totti following his decision to call time on his Roma career.

The 40-year-old was largely marginalised by former boss Luciano Spalletti during the final season, and this urged him to end his 24-year association. The World Cup winner has highlighted his intention to retire from his playing duties, but he could still make a final move to the Indian Super League with a host of clubs said to have approached for his signature.

Aquilanicame through the youth ranks at Roma to become an influential first-team player between 2002 and 2009. He therein made the switch to Premier League club Liverpool, where his stay was restricted to a single season due to the urge to play regular first-team football. Following loan stints with AC Milan and Juventus, the 31-year-old then made the switch to Fiorentina in 2012 where his performances earned him a regular spot with the national team.

Despite this, the midfielder did not have his contract renewed beyond 2015, and he is now with Serie B Pescara following a year long stint with Portuguese giants Sporting.

Aquilani spent the second half of last season with Sassuolo on loan where he impressed, and he is now eyeing a fresh challenge with his Pescara contract due to expire this month, Sky Italia claims.

The former Roma man has not featured for the Azzurri in the past two seasons, and a return to the Italian top flight could be key to his minute chances of making a comeback ahead of next year’s World Cup in Russia. Aquilani has not quite lived to his early expectations, and he may have himself to blame after he admitted that he rushed through his exit from Liverpool back in 2010. Aquilani’s biggest regret will be his days at Anfield.