Andrea Pirlo and Andriy Shevchenko wrote history together at AC Milan, but now the duo have gone from a friendship to a grudge.
As La Gazzetta dello Sport report, Shevchenko was unhappy with the promotional tour of several former Italian footballers in Russia and their relationship with the Russian betting agency Fonbet. It took place a couple of months ago and it involved Materazzi, Totti, Pirlo and others.
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These are people that the Ukrainian has previously had relationships of respect and friendship with, especially for Pirlo after his time at Milan. The Italian’s name has been at the centre of a media storm, as it seems the Fonbet association has ruled him out of becoming Italy’s new head coach.
The rumour was that Pirlo would join other dear friends of Shevchenko – first and foremost Paolo Maldini – in the group tasked with reviving the wounded pride of Italian football, after missing three World Cups in a row.
Shevchenko though is a man that will speak up for what he believes in especially when it comes to his home country. So, he didn’t hesitate to speak out at the time of the tour sponsored by some Russian companies.
“I condemn what they did. I spoke to some of them, but sometimes there wasn’t even a response. To those who responded, I expressed my position and explained how things are viewed in Ukraine. They made this decision, and I expressed my dissatisfaction with what they’re doing,” he said.
When the journalist asked if he thought it was a question of money, Sheva tried to maintain as neutral but firm a stance as possible, which he does quite well. “For me, the main goal is to make these former colleagues of mine aware of the situation: the war continues, Russia is constantly killing Ukrainian children and citizens. The war is here, in our country.”
The former striker was ‘disappointed, hurt and offended’. Will it be the end of a friendship? Who knows. For Shevchenko – who fully immersed himself in the role of Zelensky’s advisor and then federal president – his thoughts are on helping his country emerge from this nightmare.
In the meantime, it seems as though the FIGC (Italian Football Federation) have opted against the potential PR backlash of hiring Pirlo and will move on to other candidates. As a result of this Maldini could resign, Sky claim, making the whole situation very messy.
