Source: REUTERS/Massimo Pinca
[Saba Sports News] According to Italian media reports, Francesco Totti will travel to Russia for a football event, but he has faced criticism and been awarded the Golden Pomegranate for it. Russia is currently under FIFA sanctions, but Totti has been invited to attend a football event in Russia before April 8. This has led to criticism, and Italy’s national TV station awarded Totti the Golden Pomegranate. The Golden Pomegranate is a humorous and satirical award given to the most unfortunate or unlucky person of the moment. Totti later released a statement saying: “I am going to Moscow for a business trip, but it has sparked endless controversy. I am not a politician or diplomat; I am just someone promoting the values of football worldwide. I’ve always done this, first as a player and now in a new role. Over the years, I have gone to any country that invited me to discuss sports. If the purpose is the same, I would also go to Kyiv, Ukraine.” Totti further stated that if relevant authorities request him not to participate in the Moscow event, he would cancel it without hesitation.