WHAT FRANCESCO TOTTI’S RETURN MEANS FOR AS ROMA
Discover the latest on Francesco Totti’s potential return and Devis Vasquez’s loan to Besiktas in this week’s Roma news update.
As February winds down, we’re stuck in that weird lull between the winter and summer transfer windows—where rumours dry up, and nothing much happens. Sure, summer gossip will start up soon, but for now, we’re just waiting around, hoping Roma does something we’ll love (then probably hate later), or more likely, something that annoys us at first but we end up accepting anyway. Let’s be honest, if even Gian Piero Gasperini can’t make sense of Roma’s choices, what hope do the rest of us have?
Anyway, let’s save our complaints for another time and check out what’s actually going on this week.
Robino Vaz Picks Up a Calf Injury
Roma spent €22 million to bring Robino Vaz in from Marseille, but he hasn’t hit the ground running as Malen did. Still, there’s something about him—he’s got the size and speed you want in a forward. Bad news, though: he tore a muscle in his left calf, so we’ll have to wait a few weeks to really see what he can do. Reports say he’ll be out about three weeks. Honestly, it feels like every new Roma player has to go through their first Trigoria injury—it’s almost a rite of passage.
Devis Vasquez Heads to Besiktas
If you’re a goalkeeper sitting behind Mile Svilar, you’re not going to get much playing time. Devis Vasquez joined Roma on a free transfer from Milan last summer, but he never got on the pitch. Now he’s off to Besiktas on loan for the rest of the season, still waiting for his shot in the giallo e rosso.
Roma Negotiating New Contracts for Cristante and Mancini
Contract extensions usually split opinions, but these two deals have fans arguing already. Reports out of Italy say Roma is close to finalising new contracts for Bryan Cristante and Gianluca Mancini. Their agent, Giuseppe Riso, told Tuttosport that everything’s almost done—they just need the signatures.
We’ll get into the details of these extensions later this weekend. There’s no doubt fans will have plenty to say.
Francesco Totti—Coming Back?
Claudio Ranieri has stirred things up by hinting that Totti might make a return to Roma. Everyone’s weighing in, from Radja Nainggolan to Walter Sabatini. Ranieri didn’t give away much, just said the club is thinking about it. The big question is what Totti would actually do—will he have a real say, or just be a figurehead?
Totti means everything to Roma fans, so if the Friedkins are bringing him back, they’d better tread carefully.
PULISIC HITS BACK: MILAN STAR SHUTS DOWN 2026 GOAL DROUGHT CONCERNS
"I haven't stopped dreaming." Christian Pulisic addresses his goal drought and the frustration of missing out on the Gold Cup squad.
Christian Pulisic isn’t holding back. When critics started questioning his recent form and worried about his 2026 goal drought, he shut them down, calling those concerns “bad questions". The AC Milan forward, fresh off his Time magazine cover, still trusts his ability to step up for the USMNT as they gear up to co-host the World Cup.
All eyes are on him.
The U.S. is set to share the stage for the 2026 World Cup, and Pulisic is set to become the go-to guy for the national team. Landing on the cover of Time isn’t something soccer stars from America get every day, and it just shows how big a deal he’s become, especially after proving himself in Europe. But right as people are finally giving him mainstream recognition, he’s under the microscope for not putting up his usual numbers in front of the goal.
He’s not fazed by the dip.
When Time asked about his goal drought and how he’s handling not scoring for club or country this year, Pulisic didn’t mince words; he’s not sweating it. “I plan on scoring goals. Such bad questions. I’m not concerned about it, man.” You can hear the confidence in his voice.
Dealing with the noise
Pulisic admits this stretch feels extra tough. Missing out on last June’s Gold Cup squad hurt him, mostly because he’s used to shutting people up with his play. “Normally, I just go out there and score, and that quiets everybody. Right now, I’m in my offseason, so everyone’s talking, and I can’t do anything about it. That’s what’s frustrating.”
For Pulisic, attacking is everything. “Going at the goal, creating attacks, that’s what I live for. Sure, you have to do all the other stuff: defend, run, whatever. That’s fine. But what really gives me joy is finding ways to score and actually scoring.”
Chasing the dream
The U.S. opens their World Cup run against Paraguay at the SoFi Stadium on June 12, and Pulisic will lead the team right here at home. He doesn’t like making big public predictions, but at 27, he keeps that childhood dream alive. “That’s just not how I work. But I’ll lie in bed and imagine myself holding the World Cup trophy. I did that when I was a kid, and I haven’t stopped. You need to believe. Why not?”
WHY DID LAUTARO MARTINEZ REJECT A CAREER-DEFINING MOVE TO THE PREMIER LEAGUE?
"I love Milan." Read why 28-year-old Lautaro Martinez rejected Manchester United and Arsenal to stay at the San Siro in 2026.
Inter captain Lautaro Martinez has clearly put an end to any speculation about leaving San Siro, making it known that he has no plans to entertain offers from Europe’s top clubs. Even with regular links to teams like Barcelona, Manchester United, and Arsenal, the Argentine forward is fully committed to what’s happening in Milan.
Martinez has been quite vocal about his dedication to Inter amid constant rumours about his future. Despite frequent connections to some of the biggest clubs on the continent, he insists there’s no reason for him to move on from the current Serie A champions.
Media reports have often tied him to Barcelona, PSG, Arsenal, and Manchester United. But through various transfer windows, Martinez has consistently pushed back on the idea of leaving Inter. At 28, he remains a key figure in the team’s current setup and has stepped up as the club’s captain and on-field leader.
In an interview with Cronache di Spogliatoio, Martinez expressed his loyalty to Inter’s project. He made it clear that he isn’t interested in changing clubs despite the speculation.
He said, “No, because I am faithful to the Inter project, I feel at home here. My family is happy, we have a restaurant in the city, and we love Milan. From the first day, everyone treated me in a way I didn’t think possible. I achieved so many personal and team goals here.”
Success on the pitch seems to deepen his connection to the club. Inter recently secured another league title and continues to chase trophies, including the Coppa Italia. On an individual level, Martinez is eyeing the Capocannoniere prize as Serie A’s top scorer. His steady performances underline why he’s considered one of the most reliable forwards in European football.
Since his move from Racing Club in 2018, Martinez has become the defining presence in Inter’s modern lineup. With 173 goals over 372 competitive games, it’s clear how vital he is to the team.
Looking ahead, the club sees Martinez as a central piece in their long-term plans. His leadership and scoring ability make him hard to replace. Settled both on and off the field in Milan, he seems set on continuing his story at the Giuseppe Meazza, despite ongoing interest from Europe’s elite clubs.
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