Massimo Cellino says Brescia Calcio bankrupt, vows not to return to football

On July 28, his 70th birthday, the Tribunal of Brescia officially declared Brescia Calcio bankrupt and transferred the club’s historic symbols, including its crest, to Union Brescia, now led by patron Giuseppe Pasini. Cellino, who has spent nearly 35 years in Italian football and previously held positions in the federation and league, said the decision felt like a “far‑west” scenario and blamed fraudulent credit schemes and dishonest accountants for his current plight.

He added that he will not return to football, stating, “Tornare nel calcio? Non ci penso proprio,” and criticized the modern game’s inflated salaries and uncertain owners. Cellino also highlighted the financial burden he has carried over the years, estimating taxes paid between €500‑600 million.