AS Roma bid farewell to their long-serving captain and iconic legend Francesco Totti on Sunday afternoon, with his retirement from football having been announced earlier in the month.After 783 appearances and 307 goals, the 2006 World Cup winner will hang up his boots for one last time following the Giallorossi's final Serie A game of the season at home to Genoa.Few players in world football will go on to do what the Italian has done in the Italian capital; having made a record number of appearances for the club and become their all-time top scorer.

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But regardless of his legendary status, his final season has seen him restricted to just one start in his 17 Serie A appearances this campaign, leading to the inevitable news of his retirement.

It's not been the easiest of seasons for the forward, who has been overlooked by boss Luciano Spalletti more often than not. The 58-year-old could, however, reserve praise for the veteran.

As per Goal, Spalletti said: "The memory that ties me to Francesco the most is of the quality of this player and the character he shows when stepping onto the field."

And with Totti ready to bid farewell to his adoring AS Roma fans, it would have been fair to believe that the Italian would hand the forward one last start for the Giallorossi, with nothing to play for.

However, the Roma boss decided not to buck the trend and stick with a recurring theme for Totti this season, with the 40-year-old once again left on the bench.

Benched Totti leaves fans angered

It was perhaps not the most shocking news, but it did indeed disappoint and even anger a number of fans who were keen to see Totti honoured with one last start for his boyhood club.

Conte hails Roma legend

Totti, who is expected to take on a director's role at the club following his retirement, received praise from Chelsea boss Antonio Conte - having been international teammates with Italy.

"He's one of the best players not only in Italy but in the world.” said Conte.

Roma will find it difficult to replace Totti's world-class talent, given the current lure of dominant Serie A champions Juventus. 

And while the veteran forward will never be forgotten, he will undoubtedly gain a hot reception from Giallorossi fans should he, inevitably, come on against Genoa later in the match.