Rome, 26 July (LaPresse) – “Over the last few days, I have watched with great disappointment the debate that has arisen around my name and the possibility of taking on the role of head coach of the Italian national team. Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation and all those involved, I have so far chosen to remain silent. However, I feel it is my duty to clarify certain points.” Andrea Pirlo wrote this on Facebook. “Throughout my career, first as a footballer and now as a manager, I have always conducted 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 at the centre of recent controversy arose as part of my work in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively of a commercial and sporting nature,” he continued. “To attribute a political significance to this collaboration is to ascribe to me beliefs that I have never expressed and which do not reflect my views.” Pirlo then thanked “Maldini and Leonardo for the esteem and trust they have shown in me. I am well aware of their expertise, their professionalism and the love they have always shown for Italian football. I regret that a decision of a sporting nature has been swiftly dragged into a public debate which has ended up attributing to me meanings and intentions that are not my own. My love for Italy does not depend on a particular role. It is part of my history, my identity, and will continue to be with me, always.”
Pirlo: ‘Disappointed by the controversy; my collaborations are purely commercial’
Rome, 26 July (LaPresse) – “Over the last few days, I have watched with great disappointment the debate that has arisen around my name and the possibility of taking on the role of head coach of the Italian national team. Out of respect for the institutions, the Federation and all those involved, I have so far chosen to remain silent. However, I feel it is my duty to clarify certain points.” Andrea Pirlo wrote this on Facebook. “Throughout my career, first as a footballer and now as a manager, I have always conducted 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 at the centre of recent controversy arose as part of my work in the United Arab Emirates and is exclusively of a commercial and sporting nature,” he continued. “To attribute a political significance to this collaboration is to ascribe to me beliefs that I have never expressed and which do not reflect my views.” Pirlo then thanked “Maldini and Leonardo for the esteem and trust they have shown in me. I am well aware of their expertise, their professionalism and the love they have always shown for Italian football. I regret that a decision of a sporting nature has been swiftly dragged into a public debate which has ended up attributing to me meanings and intentions that are not my own. My love for Italy does not depend on a particular role. It is part of my history, my identity, and will continue to be with me, always.”
