Pirlo explodes and issues a statement in the face of political controversy

The appointment of the new Italy coach has become an endless soap opera. After the refusals of Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola to assume the position, the Italian Football Federation has reached, according to information collected by the press of the transalpine country, a verbal agreement with Andrea Pirlo.

However, everything could blow up after some politicians have criticized the agreement that Pirlo, current coach of United FC of the United Arab Emirates, has with Fonbet, a Russian sports betting company, as ambassador.

The president and owner of United FC is the Russian Sergey Lomakinwhich in turn has significant financial interests in Fonbet. Faced with this situation, Pirlo himself, former Italian international and world champion in 2006, has issued the following statement through Instagram:

The statement

“In recent days I have followed with great bitterness the debate that has developed around my name and the possibility of assuming the role of coach of the Italian national team.

Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation and all the people involved, until now I have chosen to remain silent. However, I think it is necessary to clarify some points.

Throughout my career, first as a player and now as a coach, I have always carried out my work in full compliance with the laws of the countries in which I have worked and the contracts I have signed.

The professional collaboration that has been the subject of recent controversy arises in the context of my work experience in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively commercial and sporting in nature.

Attributing political meaning to that collaboration means attributing to me beliefs that I have never expressed and that do not belong to me.

I would like to thank Maldini and Leonardo (technical director and advisor of the Italian Football Federation) the appreciation and trust they have shown me. I know their competence, their seriousness and the love they have always dedicated to Italian football.

I regret that a purely sporting choice was dragged so quickly into a public confrontation that ended up attributing to me meanings and intentions that do not belong to me.

The love for Italy does not depend on a job position. It is part of my history, of my identity, and will continue to accompany me, always.”