Andrea Pirlo joins the effort to help Turkey as the Italy legend loads boxes and aid onto trucks

Andrea Pirlo has put footballing priorities aside in a bid to join others in bringing aid and relief to those most affected by the recent devastating earthquake that struck Turkey.

The Italian was headed to take charge of ninth-placed Turkish Super League side Fatih Karagumruk in June, following his earlier sacking as Juventus manager, but has shown he is more than willing to play his part to help the country to recover.

Turkey and Syria bore the brunt of two high-intensity earthquakes on Monday with the death toll currently exceeding 19,000, with that number expected to rise as more debris is removed.

Some of the country’s most iconic soccer stadiums have been turned into temporary field hospitals and shelter centers, while teams have been forced to seek alternative training facilities elsewhere.

Besiktas have opened the gates of their stadium to allow it to be converted into a temporary blood bank and post office, while Fenerbahce and Galatasaray have also joined the relief efforts.

Fatih Karagumruk head coach Andrea Pirlo (right) joined ongoing relief efforts in Turkey

Pirlo, his staff, and the players helped load the aid onto trucks bound for the hardest-hit areas of the country.

Turkish football came together to help: Besiktas stadium turned into a blood bank

All upcoming Super Lig games have been postponed due to recent events. But, Pirlo is using the free time to join other volunteers who want to do everything possible to help those most in need.

The 43-year-old has been at the center of his club’s efforts to try to contribute in any way possible and has been carrying boxes and helping assemble other packages destined for crisis centers in Turkey.

Sportsmail recently flew out to meet Pirlo in the wake of the natural disaster that hit Turkey, and the Italian spoke from his heart when he said: “I’m sorry for what happened, I’m sorry for everyone, I hope we can contribute something to help them through this great tragedy. .

‘We want to help. We know it will be difficult, but we are trying to do our bit. I send a big hug to all of you.’

Pirlo has been thriving in his position as head coach of Fatih Karagumruk with his side unbeaten in their last seven league games before the understandable postponement of all football in the country.

The Italian greatly enjoyed his time in Turkey, revealing to Sportsmail that he often asks current Spurs boss Antonio Conte for advice, adding: “I learned a lot of things,” he says.

Pirlo (center) also helped load supplies onto trucks headed for the hardest-hit areas.

The Italian has largely impressed so far since joining the Turkish squad in June 2022 following his sacking at Juventus.

Sometimes I talk to him and it was very important for me to understand his mentality because he has been one of the best coaches of my career.

‘The winning mentality is the key. Concentration. He always puts you in a good direction for work and play.