Retired AS Roma legend and former
Italy forward Francesco Totti said "I'm going to Moscow as a man
of sport" on Tuesday when asked about reports he will be in the
Russian capital on April 8 to
attend an event organized by a Russian sports and betting
website.
But he said that "if a competent body asks me, I will decline".
Reports that Totti will be the guest of honour at the
International RB Award had caused a stir, with some fans and
politicians criticising the move, as Russia's war against
Ukraine continues.
"My work trip to Moscow has been a source of endless controversy
for days.
But I am neither a politician nor a diplomat, I am a man of sports who promotes its values ;;around the world.
I have
always done so: first as a footballer and now in a new role. For
years I have been going to all the countries where I am invited
to speak about sports and I would have no problem going to Kiev,
for the same purposes", Totti told ANSA.
"That said, if I received a request from a competent body not to
participate in the event in Moscow, I would not hesitate for a
moment to take a step back".
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