Roma buyer Vinicio Fioranelli has apologised after his lawyer criticised club captain Francesco Totti during the week.

Fioranelli is representing a Swiss consortium that had a bid to buy out the side rejected last month, but controversy exploded in the capital.

Lawyer Nicola Irti, who works with the Fio Group, stated the Giallorossi should get rid of their captain.

"Totti is more important than Roma itself," assured Fioranelli last night on Centro Suono Sport radio.

"He deserves the utmost respect from everyone, including those who don't support Roma. You only need to remember what he did against Arsenal in that return match.

"Anyone who doubts Totti's importance clearly hasn't understood much about Roma. This side is his destiny and will always have an important role within the club. He will stay as long as he wants to."