After helping Italy win the World Cup, Totti announced he will not play for the national team until 2007, in order to give an ankle injury the necessary time to recover.

"At the World Cup I've risked myself," Totti said as reported by Sky Sports.

"No-one can doubt the respect I have towards the national team. I did this out of thankfulness for coach Marcelo Lippi and that group."

Despite his disinterest, there has been increasing pressure for Totti to save Roberto Donadoni's struggling Euro 2008 qualifying campaign.

A humiliating draw against Lithuania coupled with a defeat by France has caused the Italian press to criticize Totti for refusing to step up for the team, but Totti remains firm in his refusal.