Totti hints at Azzurri return

Jul 19, 2008 - 3:53 PM ROME (Ticker) -- Roma captain Francesco Totti has revealed he could reconsider his international retirement following Marcello Lippi's return as coach of the Italian national team.

The 31-year-old, who has not played for the Azzurri since the 2006 World Cup and retired from the national team in July 2007, hinted he could play a role in Italy's qualifying campaign for the 2010 World Cup after he returns from a serious knee injury.

"I have a great relationship with Marcello Lippi. I speak with him often and I congratulated him when he returned to the national team," Totti said. We haven't spoken about the future, my only thought is to recover (from injury).

"If I am well and I have no problems, in six months' time or a year I would reconsider the subject."

Totti has also refuted speculation he is set to call a truce with Juventus new boy Christian Poulsen, a recent signing from Sevilla.

Totti was banned for three internationals and forced to make a public apology for spitting at Poulsen during a match between Italy and Denmark at Euro 2004.

A disciplinary hearing handed down the ban to Totti, who claimed he was provoked and believes Poulsen could have done more to downplay the matter at the time.

Poulsen appears to have forgotten the incident and said earlier this week that he would have no problem shaking Totti's hand when their paths cross in Serie A, although the Italian appears less inclined to kiss and make up.

"It's easy to speak now but he could have done it the day after I had my hearing and tell the truth," Totti said.

"I don't know if I would shake his hand, I will think about it when the time comes."

Meanwhile, Totti revealed he would have preferred former Barcelona forward Ronaldinho to have moved to the English Premier League rather than Serie A this summer.

The Giallorossi playmaker believes AC Milan have pulled off a major transfer coup after securing the services of the Brazilian star from under the noses of Premier League outfit Manchester City.

"Right until the end I had hoped he would end up playing for Manchester City," Totti said. "It's a great signing because for me he is still a champion."