Aston Villa community coach Simone Farina has told the Italian media the club have stood by him as he aims to teach youngsters in Italy the dangers of corruption in the game. Farina is currently an advisor for the youth and education sectors of the FIGC following his first-hand experience with match fixing.
TMW have reported on comments Farina made when asked about Aston Villa, and his involvement in helping prevent corruption in Italian football. The Italian said Aston Villa have been supportive in what has been a difficult period for him considering what happened in the past.
The 34-year-old also said the FIGC have also helped him in his objective to get the message across to youngsters playing in Serie A and B.
“Aston Villa have welcomed and supported me at a difficult time, after what had happened. I am grateful to president Abodi involved in league A and B carrying out valuable projects,” said Farina.
Back in March Farina told a conference he was approached in 2011 to fix a match a match whilst he was playing for Italian side Gubbio. However, after discussing the situation with his family, Farina reported the incident to the authorities, which eventually led to several arrests.
After retiring from playing in 2012 Farina was installed as the Aston Villa community coach which involves holding specialist sessions for children aged between five and twelve years old, with these sessions also being used to identify talented players who may be invited to the player development centre at Villa Park.
