The Juventus centre-back emailed StreetFootballWorld, the team behind Common Goal, volunteering his support to the initative out of the blue.
Now, after confirming he wasn't on the wind-up via Skype, he becomes the fifth player – and the first Italian – to get involved in Juan Mata's fast-growing movement.
The Italy international said: “By joining Common Goal, I hope I can encourage the younger generation of players to thinkg about social responsibility in their lives.
“As professional footballers, we are in a fortunate position compared to much of society.
“I think it’s important we keep this in mind and try to support those less lucky than us where we can.”
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