Italy legend Pirlo announces retirement from professional football

Former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo has announced he is retiring from football after playing his last game for New York City.

The 38-year-old attained 116 caps for Italy and was in the team that won the 2006 World Cup.

Pirlo began his career at Brescia and also played for Inter, AC Milan and Juventus before joining the Major League Soccer side in 2015.

“Not only [is it that] my adventure in New York comes to an end but my journey as a football player as well,” he said in a statement on social media.

Read also: Former Nigeria international Emenalo resigns as Director at Chelsea

Pirlo also thanked “every team that I had the honour to play for” and “every team-mate that I have been pleased to play alongside” during his 22-year career.

He won 6 Serie A titles, 2 Coppa Italia titles, 2 UEFA Champions League titles and 1 World Cup.

He helped his New York side reach the MLS play-offs in each of the past two seasons, but was unable to end his career with any further trophies.

“Everyone at New York City FC would like to congratulate Andrea on an incredible career and to thank him for his excellent contribution to NYCFC over the past two and a half years”, the club said.

 

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