Roma doctor Paolo Mariani has revealed the reasons why Francesco Totti chose not to remove the metal plate from his ankle.

"Totti decided not to remove the plate and that will not cause any problems for next season," said Mariani, who performed the original operation.

"Francesco said 'I scored 30 goals with the plate, so I don't see why I should stop to have it removed'.

"Keeping it in place over the short term does not create complications, but we certainly have to be prudent."

The medic had originally advised Totti to have the metal plaque removed, as it could possibly change the positioning of the bone and tendons in the area, but he was more reassuring after the latest visit.

"There is no reason why he should not have it removed several years down the line. There are cases like this."