Andrea Pirlo joins New York City FC from Juventus
Italy and Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has joined Major League Soccer club New York City FC, Juventus announced Monday. NYCFC later confirmed the signing.
At NYCFC he'll join the likes of David Villa and Frank Lampard, with the latter set to make his debut on Sunday against Toronto FC. Pirlo is expected to join the team on July 21, meaning he could make his debut with the club as early as July 26 in a home game against Orlando City SC.
“I have been wanting this experience for a long time and now that the opportunity materialized I wanted to take it. This is a club on the rise and shares my same hunger to achieve important results in the League. I am hoping to win,” Pirlo said in NYCFC's statement. “I had several opportunities to play outside of Italy, but I never had a doubt in picking New York for the enthusiasm of the people that come watch the team.”
Podcast: What Pirlo signing means for NYCFC, MLS
Pirlo, 36, spent the past four years at Juventus after joining from Serie A rival AC Milan. Pirlo had one year left on his contract.
"It has been an honor and a privilege to have shared these four fantastic seasons with Andrea and all associated with Juventus Football Club wish him the very best for the future. Thanks for everything, Maestro, and good luck,” the Italian club said in a statement.
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Pirlo made 164 appearances with Juventus, scoring 19 goals and assisting on 35 others. This past season, he had five goals and five assists in 34 appearances across all competitions.
During Pirlo’s tenure with Juventus, he won four Serie A titles and one Coppa Italia, and helped the team reach the Champions League final this season. He also won a World Cup with Italy in 2006.
NYCFC (5-5-8) is currently seventh in the Eastern Conference with 20 points, three points out of a playoff spot.
- Scooby Axson
