Farina takes up Villa role

The former Roma defender hit the headlines when approached and offered 200,000 euros to help influence a Coppa Italia match between his club Gubbio and Cesena in November 2011.

But Farina refused, reported the incident to Italian police and his evidence helped lead to the arrest of 17 people the following month.

It led to FIFA president Sepp Blatter naming 30-year-old Farina as a FIFA ambassador for fair play.

INTERPOL, who investigated the match-fixing scandal in Italy, also awarded Farina a commemorative medal for his contribution to crime prevention and law enforcement.

Farina said: "I know I did the right thing when I refused to get involved in the fixing of a football game.

"I went to the authorities because this corruption had to be brought to the surface. This level of deception has no place in football or in any walk of life.

"But it is also important to me that I continue to work in football and that I am able to pass on my knowledge because football is an inspirational game.

"A year ago I did not see my life moving in this direction but I am really delighted to be able now to contribute in this way at Villa.

"I wanted to move on with my life. Now I feel that I have real purpose again because of the support and opportunity Villa have given me."

Source: PA

Source: PA