Former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has broken his silence over the controversy surrounding his Pirlo Russian brand deal, insisting it is purely commercial and sporting in nature.
The 2006 FIFA World Cup winner had remained silent in recent days amid speculation linking him with the Italy national team’s head coaching position. However, in a statement reported by Fabrizio Romano on Monday, Pirlo addressed the controversy directly.
“I chose to remain silent in recent days out of respect for the Italian Football Federation and everyone involved,” Pirlo said.
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The former midfielder stressed that throughout his playing and coaching career, he has always acted in accordance with the laws of the countries where he has worked and the contractual obligations he accepted.
“Throughout my career, both as a player and as a coach, I have always worked in full compliance with the laws of the countries in which I have been employed and with the contracts I have signed,” he said.
Addressing the Pirlo Russian brand deal at the centre of the controversy, Pirlo explained that the agreement originated during his coaching spell in the United Arab Emirates and insisted it was “exclusively commercial and sporting in nature.”
He also dismissed claims that the collaboration reflected his political views.
“To attribute a political meaning to this agreement is to attribute opinions to me that I have never expressed and that do not belong to me,” Pirlo said.
The former AC Milan and Juventus playmaker also thanked Paolo Maldini and Leonardo for the confidence and respect they have shown him over the years.
“I thank Paolo Maldini and Leonardo for the trust and respect they have always shown me, as well as for their professionalism and dedication to Italian football,” he said.
Concluding his statement, Pirlo said he was disappointed that what he considers a purely sporting and commercial matter, his Pirlo Russian brand deal, had become the subject of public debate.
“I regret that a matter which is purely sporting and commercial has become the subject of public controversy. My love for Italy is part of my history and my identity, and it does not depend on whether I hold the position of national team head coach,” Pirlo said.
The controversy surrounding the Pirlo Russian brand deal comes at a time when European football figures face increasing scrutiny over commercial ties with Russian entities, following the ongoing geopolitical tensions. However, Pirlo has made it clear that his partnership is strictly business and carries no political significance.
Credit: Punch
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