Andrea Pirlo, the former Italian football star and coach of the UAE's United FC Dubai team, responded to those who demanded not to proceed with his appointment as coach of the Italian national team, due to his relations with Russia.
The Italian Football Federation, in the past hours, backed away from the idea of appointing Pirlo as coach of the national team, due to his work as a global ambassador for a Russian sports betting company.
Andrea Pirlo's first comment
Pirlo said in statements to "Sky Sports": "The professional cooperation that recently sparked controversy arose within the framework of my professional career in the Emirates, and it is purely commercial and sporting in nature."
He added: "Attaching political connotations to this cooperation means attributing beliefs that do not represent me; in any case, I would like to thank Maldini and Leonardo for the appreciation and trust they have shown me. I know their experience, dedication, and their enduring love for Italian football."
He continued: "I regret that a sporting decision was quickly dragged into a public debate that ended up attributing meanings and intentions to me that are not mine. My love for Italy does not depend on my position; it is part of my history and my identity, and it will always remain with me."
He went on: "Pirlo: 'I have followed with great bitterness the controversy surrounding my name and the possibility of assuming the position of technical director of the Italian national team. Out of respect for the institutions, the federation, and all concerned, I had until now preferred to remain silent.'
He continued: 'Nevertheless, I feel it is my duty to clarify some aspects. Throughout my career, as a player and as a coach, I have always adhered to the laws of the countries in which I worked and the contracts I signed. The professional cooperation that represents the focus of the recent controversy arose in the context of my work experience in the United Arab Emirates, and it is purely commercial and sporting in nature.'
The former Italian national team, Milan, and Juventus legend concluded: "Attaching political connotations to this cooperation means attributing beliefs that I have never expressed and that are not my personal beliefs."