The fiery striker lashed out at Internazionale's Mario Balotelli in the closing moments of the game, which Inter won, and was deservedly dismissed.

The incident dominated reaction to the match, with Totti receiving a four-match Cup ban and coming under a barrage of criticism for the unprovoked and violent kick.

The 33-year-old even considered calling time on his career, although he was soon talked out of it and will line up for a 19th season in Giallorossi colours once the new campaign starts.

"There was a time when I thought about quitting," he said. "I thought about it because of what happened, on and off the pitch.

"Then I talked to people close to me who made me think about it.

"But when there's passion it's right to continue.

"Every time something happens concerning me it's worth 10 times as much, I have asked myself so many times, why" And I've answered that it happens because at the end of the day I'm good.

"Maybe people don't like me because I'm from Rome. Were the club close to me" Yes."

A native Roman, Totti came through the ranks at the Stadio Olimpico and has made nearly 450 appearances for the club, scoring 192 goals.

Eurosport