Sentenced to two years and eight months in prison by a court in Italy, the thirty one year old midfielder has already appealed against the decision from the Italian prosecutors. The process is still on going and it’s believed the player will have to be found guilty on three trials before being arrested.
On Tuesday evening, Mancini released a statement, refusing to answer any questions from the waiting journalists.
See the player’s statement below.
”I’m here for the second time to clarify what came out in the press recently. Yesterday (Monday), many of you called and I’m here to give you information and to my fans. I am not worried about it. My lawyers in Italy are competent, really prepared, and I will prove I am innocent. I am a victim of extortion. It’s a very painful thing because it involves my family and my name, nationally and internationally. But I’m calm because I know I am innocent. I am focused on Sunday’s game against Cruzeiro. I’m sure we’ll play a great game and I’ll prove my innocence about all of what came out. Unfortunately, in life we meet people who want to destroy families and familiar environments, but that won’t happen to me, especially because I am a person who’s never had problems off the pitch and always have been a reference for many children. I want to thank all of you.”
When he was leaving the press conference room in the, Mancini made a joke with some of the reporters.
”I hope to talk about football next time I come here.”
