๐จ๐ฎ๐น JUST IN: Andrea Pirlo has released a statement after his collaboration with a Russian brand became a major talking point in Italy amid reports of a verbal agreement to become the national team head coach.
Pirlo said he was saddened by the controversy and felt it was necessary to respond after remaining silent out of respect for the Italian Football Federation and everyone involved.
He stressed that the commercial partnership in question began during his time working in the United Arab Emirates and was purely professional, commercial, and sporting, rejecting any political interpretation of the collaboration.
Pirlo also thanked Paolo Maldini and Leonardo for their trust and support, praising their professionalism and dedication to Italian football.
He concluded by expressing his disappointment that what should have been a sporting decision turned into a public controversy, insisting that his love for Italy is part of his identity and has never been defined by any job title. ๐ฎ๐น