Rome, 27 July (AKI) - AS Roma captain Francesco Totti on Monday thanked club president Rosella Sensi for extending his contract. "My thanks to Rosella Sensi who believes in me for another five years," Totti said.

The top striker was speaking at Rome's town hall, where the city's mayor Gianni Alemanno presented him with a special award for scoring 178 goals in Rome's Serie A premier league. His tally has equalled legendary Italian striker Giampiero Boniperti's record

"Rosella Sensi has extended my contract. This will allow me to beat new records," Totti added.

I want to thank everyone, the club, the city, the fans and the mayor. This is a very important prize for me."

"I hope we'll still be working together in five years' time, and that I'll still be giving my utmost and coming off the pitch with a sweaty shirt," he continued.

Totti received a special plaque from Alemanno as well as a commemorative blue football shirt - the colour of Italy's national side - with the Italian flag, the AS Roma badge and the number 178 emblazoned on it.

"This is the most important prize I have received so far and being an award from Rome's mayor makes it all the more gratifying," Totti stated.

"I hope not to stop at this record but to carrying on inspiring youngsters to pay football," he said.

Alemanno described Totti as "captain of the whole city of Rome, not just AS Roma".