Italy legend and World Cup winner Andrea Pirlo set to retire from football
Pirlo enjoyed a glittering career winning six Serie A titles, two Champions Leagues and a World Cup with Azzurri but at 38-years-old has decided enough is enough
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Andrea Pirlo has called time on his illustrious career confirming he will hang up his boots for good at the end of the MLS season.
The former AC Milan, Juventus and Italy star has announced he will call it a day when his New York City FC contract expires at the end of the year.
Pirlo enjoyed a glittering career winning six Serie A titles, two Champions Leagues and a World Cup with Azzurri but at 38-years-old has decided enough is enough.
"You realise 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."
There has been talk Pirlo could come to England and join fellow countryman Antonio Conte at Chelsea but as regards his future plans Pirlo is choosing to play his cards close to his chest for now.
"I'll do something else, I'll be back in Italy in December," he added. "Work with Conte? They say things, I have some ideas, but give me time to decide."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments