It was a celebration tinged with tears, fear and love. Francesco Totti bid an emotional farewell to Roma after a remarkable 25-season career with his hometown club, contributing to a 3-2 win over Genoa in Serie A that secured the Giallorossi a spot in the Champions League.

Almost 60,000 fans inside the Stadio Olimpico stood up and cheered when 40-year-old Totti replaced Mohamed Salah in the 54th minute. And even if Totti did not score or set up any goals, his mere presence was what the supporters came to see. "Unfortunately the time has come. I've cried every day," Totti said in a post-match speech from the centre of the pitch.