Tennis star Roger Federer says he and Roma legend Francesco Totti belong to a rare species of athlete, and as such the Swiss jokingly backed the ex-Italy international to be protected, just like a panda.
The 39-year-old playmaker has seen his time on the pitch significantly reduced since the arrival of new coach Luciano Spalletti in January. And with his Roma deal set to expire at season's end, Totti's future remains uncertain as the club have yet to offer him a new deal.
Last month Roma president James Pallotta suggested Totti should seriously consider retiring once his contract expires in the summer, but Federer has called for the 2006 World Cup winner to keep on playing as long as he wishes.
Asked if Totti should be awarded protection from the World Wildlife Fund, Federer told Corriere della Sera: "It's a good joke, but there's some truth in it because, in a certain sense, we belong to another species.
"Francesco and I incarnate our respective sports. What he has done for football is unrivalled. He's an example, a contemporary icon."
Federer, who was speaking in advance of the the Monte Carlo Masters tournament, continued: "No one should tell you when to stop, it's such an intimate and personal decision.
"If he wants to keep on going, I'm right behind him. With me, he's always been super nice. This year, if I see him, I'll be asking him for some restaurant tips."
Meanwhile, Spalletti was in no mood to give up on the 23-year Roma man on Monday, revealing that Totti could still appear again for the Giallorossi this season.
"I like Francesco and we're both running in the same direction for the good of Roma," the former Zenit St Petersburg manager said.
"I treat Totti like a true footballer, like not many people do. I will pick him if he gives me more possibilities than anybody else."