Pirlo explodes after days of silence over controversy surrounding his appointment as Italy coach

Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo, the legend, has decided to break the silence he has maintained since the controversy surrounding his candidacy to coach the national team, strongly criticizing attempts to “politicize” a purely sporting decision and attach to it beliefs he has never expressed.

In a statement published on his official Instagram page, Pirlo expressed his deep displeasure at turning the artistic portfolio into an arena for public discussion and accusations, stressing that his adherence to laws and professional contracts does not necessarily reflect political or ideological positions.

Pirlo’s appointment as Azzurri coach sparked a firestorm of criticism in Italian circles over his work as a global ambassador for a Russian betting company, which some saw as at odds with national values, while the severity of the rejection led to threats of legal action to prevent his appointment.

“In recent days, I have followed with great bitterness the controversy surrounding my name and the possibility of assuming the position of coach of the Italian national team. Out of respect for the institutions, the federation and all stakeholders, I have preferred to remain silent until now, but now I have to clarify some important aspects.”

Pirlo, who led Juventus as a coach in the 2020-2021 season, added: “Throughout my career, whether as a player or a coach, I have always adhered to the laws of the countries where I have worked and legally signed contracts. To ascribe a political context to this professional collaboration is to ascribe to me a belief that I never expressed.”

The 48-year-old thanked Paolo Maldini and Leonardo, who are responsible for the technical affairs of the Italian federation, saying: “I would like to thank Maldini and Leonardo for the appreciation and confidence they have given me.

At the end of his statement, Pirlo expressed his regret that the sporting decision had turned into a battle of public opinion, stressing that belonging to his country was not subject to compromise or doubt, saying: my history and identity, and it always will be.”

It is noteworthy that the Italian Football Federation has not yet made an official decision regarding the technical work of the national team, taking into account the ongoing controversy over the proposed options to replace the former coach.