Report: Andrea Pirlo Announces Decision to Retire
Andrea Pirlo has announced his decision to retire from club football when his contract with New York City FC expires in December.
The esteemed playmaker starred for AC Milan and Juventus in Italy, winning six Serie A titles and two Champions Leagues. He was also a key player as his country won the World Cup in 2006.
But having struggled to maintain a regular place in the first team this season, the 38-year-old has opted to bring his successful career to an end.
"You realize that the time has come," he told La Gazzetta dello Sport. "Every day you have physical problems, you cannot train as you want because you always have some problem.
"At my age, that's enough. It's not that you can go on forever until the age of 50. I'll do something else.
"At 38, it's just right to give young players room. I'm not angry. Instead, I will give a hand to team-mates and to the coach."
ADRIAN DENNIS/GettyImages
And asked about his future plans, Pirlo added: "I do not know yet. I'll be back in Italy already in December. Conte's deputy? They say things. I have ideas, but give me time to decide.
"There is no right or wrong way. It depends on the opportunities that you get offered. If a first team call right away, it's hard to refuse.
"I repeat: for now I do not have that intention. After 25 years of football I will be at home with my family. To keep fit I will play golf and tennis."
