Andrea Pirlo Trying to Help Former Club Brescia Avoid Bankruptcy

Italian football legend Andrea Pirlo is getting involved in a bid to help his boyhood club, Brescia, avoid bankruptcy.

The team have had periods in the top flight but are now mired in mid-table in Serie B and hit by severe financial difficulties.

Pirlo, as quoted in Italian paper Il Gionale di Brescia [Italian, translated by Football Italia], said:

"

I am suffering so much seeing the team I cheer on in such dire conditions. I spoke to important people, those who really mean something in this fight. You know much I care about Brescia, so I'm suffering to see the club I grew up in and the one I support in this situation.

I think I've done everything in my capabilities, speaking for a long time to those who are dealing directly with the situation. There will be further contact and I certainly won't give up the ghost now.

"

FELICE CALABRO'/Associated Press

Pirlo, still a key part of Juventus' success, later clarified to ANSA, via Football Italia, that he would not be investing his own money but would be encouraging businessmen in the area to take the club on, adding: "I have the future of Brescia in my heart, as this is a club I have a deep emotional bond with."

As well as Pirlo, the likes of Pep Guardiola and Romanian Gheorghe Hagi have played for the club.

[Football Italia]