Russian brand deal purely commercial, says ex-Italy midfielder Pirlo

Former Italy midfielder, Andrea Pirlo, has broken his silence over the controversy surrounding his commercial partnership with a Russian brand, amid continued speculation linking him with the Italy national team’s head coaching position.

As reported by Fabrizio Romano on X on Monday, in a statement, Pirlo said he had deliberately refrained from commenting in recent days out of respect for the Italian Football Federation and those involved in the ongoing process.

“I chose to remain silent in recent days out of respect for the Italian Football Federation and everyone involved,” Pirlo said.

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 partnership 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.

Pirlo 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, the 2006 FIFA World Cup winner said he was disappointed that what he considers a purely sporting and commercial matter 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.

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