A former Italian Serie A striker Francesco Flachi has returned to the pitch with Signa, a non-professional league side in the fifth division in Italy, to play his first competitive game after the end of a 12-year ban for using cocaine.

Flachi, 46, was under contract with Sampdoria in 2007 when he got a two-year ban after testing positive for cocaine. The club terminated his contract and after two years he made his return to the pitch .

After spending six months with his new club Brescia, he tested positive for cocaine again and got a 12-year ban that terminated a few weeks ago.

On Sunday, February 13, Flachi started the game and played 30 minutes.

Former Sampdoria coach Walter Novellino attended the game in the stands and took a picture with his former player at the end of the match.

“I felt dazed before the game, I haven’t slept fro a week because of the excitement,” Flachi said after the final whistle.

“I am so happy now and I want to thank all those who are making me feel like a footballer again.

“The journey has just begun, let’s see what will happen. In May, I will begin a coaching course.”