Roma icon Francesco Totti admits retirement has hit him hard.

Totti hung up his boots amid emotional scenes at the Stadio Olimpico in May 2017.

“The most important words after my retirement came from my family: my children, my wife and my parents," Totti told Match TV ahead of a charity game in Russia.

“When you finish your career, you are always destroyed by emotions and it's difficult to deal with. When you wear the same jersey for 25 years: the day when I said goodbye was tough, but I am happy with all I've done over the years.

“I don't feel like a star. I feel the same as anyone else. On the field, I always tried to play in a manner that I found interesting both for the fans and for me. I always tried to do my best.

“I am a Roma player, from my city, and representing the same team for an entire career is a big responsibility. I am happy that the fans appreciate me for that."