Andrea Pirlo

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo: 'Not tears of goodbye'

Jun 7, 2015

Andrea Pirlo assured his tears after the Champions League Final were not “a goodbye to Juventus.”

There have been numerous reports that his visible upset at the 3-1 defeat to Barcelona were a sign of his imminent departure towards New York and the MLS.

“Were my tears a goodbye to Juventus? No, they were for the defeat,” Pirlo told Sky Sport Italia.

“It is the kind of opportunity that I will rarely get again.”

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus Maestro Edges Closer To MLS Switch

Jun 9, 2015

Andrea Pirlo is closer to deciding his future with the playmaker expected to fly to the United Sates to clinch a deal to leave Juventus for MLS side New York City FC.

The world cup winner still has a year left on his contract with the club but the Bianconeri are not expected to stand in Pirlo’s way if the midfielder chooses to depart Turin.

Alessandro Del Piero’s former side Sydney FC had made enquiries about a move but calcionews24.com say the 36-year-old’s most likely destination would be New York.

Pirlo already owns a house in New York and an offer of €12 million plus bonuses means he could be on his way to the U.S. to seal a deal to join David Villa and Frank Lampard at the latest MLS franchise.

Juventus though are moving to secure the future of fellow Italian international Claudio Marchisio with an improved contract of €3.5 million until 2019 not far away from being agreed.

The Italian champions have begun planning for life after Pirlo; La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport reporting Sami Khedira will arrive in the next 48 hours, while further talks have been held with Zenit Saint Petersburg’s Belgium international Alex Witsel.

[Socrates 7971]

Time for Pirlo to leave Juve?

Andrea Pirlo’s Juventus future is at a crossroads.
Luca Cetta wonders whether the veteran should remain in Turin.

Jun 7, 2015

A picture, they say, is worth a thousand words. The iconic image of the Champions League Final was that of Xavi in his last game for Barcelona consoling a dejected Andrea Pirlo in the centre of Berlin’s Olympiastadion. Two of football’s greats together on the biggest stage, perhaps for the last time. For the Spanish star it’s a certainty, as he will leave Barcelona to join Al-Sadd in Qatar. And Pirlo? His future is subject to discussion.

The 36-year-old, who still has a year left on his Juventus contract, is being courted by New York City FC. Qatari club Al-Jaishnin was believed to have offered a hefty sum. Most recently there has been talk of interest from Australia, including Alessandro Del Piero’s former club Sydney FC. Director Giuseppe Marotta could only ‘hope’ the final wasn’t the end of his Turin adventure.

With Pirlo’s current contract not expiring for another 12 months, the ball remains in Juve’s court. That complicates outside negotiations. After losing on Saturday, the Bianconeri have made no secret of their desire to make a quick return to the showpiece fixture.

“The Champions League Final is our starting point for the future,” President Andrea Agnelli outlined in a Press conference on Monday. The final, in Milan’s Stadio Giuseppe Meazza next May, will be Juve’s goal. Player and club must decide whether Pirlo can help achieve that aim.

Signed in 2011 on a free transfer, the World Cup winner was a pivotal figure in Juve’s revival. The Turin giants benefitted from what was seen as a major Milan blunder to allow Pirlo to leave for nothing. He became the midfield lynchpin under Antonio Conte. Having just completed his fourth season at the club, Pirlo remains integral. His style is suited to Juve’s method of attack, especially domestically.

Nobody was on the ball as much as Pirlo in Serie A for Juventus. His 72.7 average passes per game were higher than last season, but down on his first two. He averaged 2.2 key passes per match and, while fewer than previous seasons, was still the most of any Bianconero.

Pirlo’s free kicks remain a dangerous weapon. He netted three times from set pieces – all game-changing goals. The Derby della Mole winner in November was a further example of the Metronome’s decisiveness. And for a club aiming high in Europe, somebody of his experience remains significant. The tears last Saturday were not ones of goodbye, he stressed. Rather, Pirlo says he knows the difficulty in reaching a final. He may want a last crack at a third crown.

But it’s in that competition where the doubts creep in. On the continent Juve utilised more of a counter-attacking style not in keeping with his approach. When Juve needed inspiration in Berlin, their talisman’s impact was minimal. Against Real Madrid – which to be fair was about doing what was required – it was a similar scenario. The question is whether he can still do it against the best.

Also factor in two sustained periods of absence. Pirlo only made his season debut in Week 6 against Roma. He was later injured in the first leg against Borussia Dortmund and returned for the home clash with Monaco. That’s a nine game stretch. He finished with just 20 Serie A appearances, 33 in all competitions. Was it a one-off?

This leads to another dynamic: Claudio Marchisio. In Pirlo’s absence he anchored the midfield and proved capable. The Turin native interprets the role differently. He does not have the Maestro’s passing range, instead is tidy in possession.

In four matches of the six before Pirlo debuted, Marchisio completed more passes than anybody. He continued in a similar vein earlier this year. Marchisio also offers greater defensive solidity, important for Europe. At 29 he can grow in the role. The arrival of Sami Khedira would add another midfield option.

For Pirlo there could be an additional factor in staying. At the end of next season is Euro 2016, probably his final international tournament. Antonio Conte stated on Monday that Pirlo has not indicated a desire to retire from the Azzurri and a year away from France the Coach “will always keep him in consideration.” A move away from Turin would not be ideal preparation.

Juve and Pirlo must examine these various factors. It’s a delicate situation and one the player, plus Marotta and his team, will have to decide. Just as his signing four years ago was crucial for Juventus, so too is this decision.

[Socrates 7971]

AC Milan Or Juventus: Which Club Brought
Out The Best In Andrea Pirlo?

Calcio’s great maestro looks set to leave Italy after a glittering Serie A
career; but did he produce his best form for the Rossoneri or the Bianconeri?

Jun 12, 2015

At the age of 36, Andrea Pirlo is nearing the end of his time at the highest level and it seems almost certain that he will move on to pastures new this summer.

His emotions got the better of him as he wept after the Champions League final loss to Barcelona in Berlin, leading to furious speculation over where his future lies.

There has been talk of a verbal agreement between the midfield maestro and MLS outfit New York City FC, with only the formalities of scribbling his sought-after signature on a contract remaining.

He will always be a revered figure at two clubs in particular: AC Milan and Juventus. But, was Pirlo at his supreme best during his days with the Rossoneri, or did we in fact witness an even better footballer emerge at the Turin giants when in his 30s?

Under the expert tutelage of coach Carlo Ancelotti, following his succession of Fatih Terim at the helm a few short months after Pirlo’s arrival from city rivals Inter in 2001, the formerly attacking midfielder quickly turned the deep-lying playmaker role he was handed into an art-form.

Conducting the tempo from a position just in front of the defence, the Rossoneri finished fourth in Serie A at the end of his first campaign. Crucially, that meant qualification for the preliminary rounds of the Champions League.

Earning the moniker of ‘Metronome’, the Lombardy native’s innate ability to see two or three steps ahead of most other players on the park helped him to a league-high amount of passes played, successful passes and total time in possession of the ball during the 2002-03 season. He also struck a career-high nine league goals, which remains his personal best.

That term at AC Milan also saw him claim the first top-class honours of his career in the shape of the Champions League trophy following a penalty shoot-out victory over Juventus, plus the Coppa Italia.

It was a watershed moment for the player, as he continued an exponential growth in stature and importance with every season. His first of two Scudetti won with the Rossoneri arrived in 2004, while he also proved integral to the Italian national squad that tasted World Cup glory against the odds in 2006.

Pirlo also displayed a steely determination throughout that mid-2000s spell after the Milanese giants blew a three-goal lead in the 2005 Champions League final against Liverpool to eventually lose in agonising fashion on penalties.

It was a defeat which devastated the creative genius and his teammates, but redemption came two years later when Liverpool again provided the opponents in the final. This time, Ancelotti’s men deservedly won 2-1 to lay the ghosts of Istanbul to rest.

His second Serie A title came along in 2011, but then shock news of his departure from the Stadio Meazza by mutual consent was announced. After 10 sterling years of service, he was inexplicably allowed to move on.

A controversial free transfer to Juventus followed, and instead of a steady decline, Pirlo appeared revitalised. Those who had let him leave the San Siro firmly believed they’d jettisoned a waning 32-year-old; but they couldn’t have been more wrong.

Maturity allowed Pirlo to slot seamlessly into the Antonio Conte’s side, dominating proceedings from that ‘Quarter-back’ role in which he revelled. Immediately, the Old Lady usurped AC Milan at the top of Serie A.

He was voted Serie A Player of the Year on the first of three consecutive occasions after that opening 2011-12 campaign, while also ending up as the league’s leading assist provider.

His blistering form continued unabated during Juve’s three further title triumphs in succession, but European success largely eluded the Bianconeri until this term under new coach Massimiliano Allegri.

Pirlo suffered a calf injury during the first-leg home win over Borussia Dortmund at the last-16 stage in February. His performances were hampered somewhat on returning six weeks later, but he still offered a calming presence as they halted the hopes of both Monaco and Real Madrid, as well as wrapping up a domestic league and cup double.

Disappointment was to follow, though, when Barcelona overcame a spirited Juventus 3-1 to dent Pirlo’s burning ambition to claim a third Champions League trophy.

The Bianconeri were searching for a hero to help eradicate the debilitating effects of the Calciopoli match-fixing scandal that rocked the Italian game and saw the Old Lady demoted to Serie B in 2006 — and in Pirlo they recruited the personality best-suited to that task.

At AC Milan, he was just one cog in a team full of stars. True, his brilliance shone through on a number of occasions, but his influence wasn’t the crucial requirement for success during his time there.

Having developed tremendously during a decade with AC Milan, he was the finished article when he pitched up in Turin and, vitally, arrived with a point to prove. What the midfield magician then did in almost single-handedly dragging Juventus back to the top table of Italian and European football was simply astounding.

Even more consistent than ever before and during the first three of four seasons spent at Juventus, Pirlo has been at the heart of everything the Bianconeri have achieved during that period.

Therefore, in spite of the two Champions League trophies lifted at AC Milan — and the absence of that particular honour with the Bianconeri — it has to be said that Pirlo reached the absolute peak of his powers in a Juventus shirt.

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus’ Pirlo Buys A House In New York City

Jun 12, 2015

Andrea Pirlo’s stay at Juventus looks to be over as his son told classmates he will be leaving for New York City FC.

The 36-year-old has just come off the back of anther successful season with Juventus, winning the Serie A title and Coppa Italia, while also reaching the Champions League final.

According to the Sport Mediaset, Pirlo has invested in an apartment in the Tribeca area of New York City, and will receive a salary of €12 million a season.

It has also been reported that his son, on the last day of school, told friends that he is leaving to go to New York.

Pirlo made 20 Serie A appearances last season, bagging four goals and five assists.

[Socrates 7971]

Antonio Conte does not expect
Juve's Andrea Pirlo to quit

Jun 12, 2015

Italy coach Antonio Conte has said he expects to see Andrea Pirlo in Serie A again next season, despite rumours that the Juventus playmaker could quit the game or go and play abroad.

Pirlo cried after Juve were beaten 3-1 by Barcelona in last weekend's Champions League final, but said that was because of disappointment rather than because it had been his last game for the Bianconeri.

Speculation has suggested he could be preparing to quit, but Conte -- who won three Serie A titles with him as Juventus coach -- said he did not imagine that happening.

The Italy coach confirmed that the 36-year-old, who Juve want to stay, would play against Croatia in a Euro 2016 qualifier in Split on Friday.

"Pirlo's one of the few people in the world who can decide for himself when the time is right to call it a day," he said at a news conference.

"After disappointments, he is always able to charge himself up again and I'm sure he would have played again the day after the Berlin final.

"I don't get the feeling he wants to quit. He's still got the passion and enthusiasm of a little kid. He's still got a lot to give and I hope he carries on. He's going to play for us tomorrow, anyway!"

Both Croatia and Italy appear on course for qualification from Group H, with the Croatians two points ahead of their visitors.

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo: 'Italy until Euro 2016'

Jun 12, 2015

Andrea Pirlo assured he will “continue playing” for Italy until Euro 2016, but wouldn’t discuss his Juventus future.

The midfielder spoke to Rai Sport after the 1-1 draw with Croatia in Split.

“We reacted well, came here to take the initiative and are happy with the performance.”

Naturally, he was asked about rumours he is leaving Juve for the American MLS and New York City FC.

“I have always enjoyed playing and doing my talking on the field. At times there is too much chatter off it, but I’m used to that.

“I am still enjoying myself thankfully and that means I will continue playing as long as I feel good.

“My future? I am with the Nazionale right now, so I am thinking about the Nazionale. Euro 2016? Yes.”

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo hits out at Juventus exit talk

The 36-year-old played down rumours linking him with a move away from the club and vowed to play at Euro 2016.

Jun 13, 2015

Andrea Pirlo says there are "too many rumours" about him leaving Juventus and has vowed to be part of Italy's Euro 2016 squad.

The 36-year-old has been linked with moves to the USA and Middle East after entering the final year of his contract but poured cold water on the speculation.

“There are too many rumours about me leaving Juventus, I just want to keep playing and I will be present at Euro 2016.”

Pirlo spoke after Italy stumbled to a 1-1 draw against Croatia on Friday, having gone behind after 11 minutes to a controversial Mario Mandzukic opener.

Stephan El Shaarawy thought he had given the visitors the lead but saw his goal rule out for offside. As Italy players raced to the linesman to protest, Croatia raced up the other end to take the lead.

"We knew it was a tough match but we were also aware that we could play well against Croatia,” said Pirlo.

“Despite the unpleasant episode of the Croatian goal, we reacted well."

Antonio Candreva struck from the penalty spot on 36 minutes to rescue a point for Antonio Conte’s side and the Lazio man blasted Croatia for what he considers bad sportsmanship.

“El Shaarawy scored and then the linesman raised his flag,” he said.

“They have not shown fair play because we had half our team in their half.”

The draw leaves Italy on course for qualification from Group H, though they sit two points behind leaders Croatia.

[Socrates 7971]

Marotta: Pirlo Will Stay At Juventus

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/marotta-pirlo-will-stay-at-juventus/?

Jun 17, 2015

Juventus sporting director Beppe Marotta assured fans that star Andrea Pirlo will not leave the club this summer.

The Italian international has been linked with a move to America in recent weeks but Marotta rejected the possibility of Pirlo leaving and also spoke about the future of Carlos Tevez and other players linked with the club.

“As things stand Pirlo will not be leaving the club. I don’t see any reason why he will go,” Marotta told Sport Mediaset.

[Socrates 7971]

Pirlo to New York in February?

http://www.football-italia.net/68072/pirlo-new-york-february?

Jun 21, 2015

Andrea Pirlo is in the Big Apple, but it’s reported he’ll play for Juventus until February, then join New York City FC.

The midfielder was spotted at Yankee Stadium last night with his family to watch a baseball game and happily posed for pictures with fans.

It is well known that he is considering a move to America’s MLS and the destination would be NYCFC.

Today both La Stampa and La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport suggest Juve have worked out a time-share scheme with Pirlo for next season.

The 36-year-old is likely to remain in Turin for the first half of the campaign, then leave in February to join New York City FC.

His contract with Juve is not set to expire until June 2016.

[Socrates 7971]

Andrea Pirlo close to New York City move

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2499910/juventus-andrea-pirlo-close-to-new-york-city-move-reports?

Jun 21, 2015

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who attended a Yankees game on Saturday, is reported to be close to a move to New York City FC.

The Daily Mail reports Pirlo spoke to NYC FC chief executive Ferran Soriano pitchside during the game at Yankee Stadium, which is also used by the Major League Soccer club.

The New York Post reports that "multiple sources said a signing could come next week," although La Stampa suggests that Pirlo, whose Juve contract runs until 2016, is likely to stay with the Italian champions until February before making the move.

calciomercato.com @cmdotcom
#Juve, #Pirlo è già a New York, ma il trasferimento in #MLS slitta a gennaio

Sources had told ESPN FC earlier this month that NYCFC were in pole position to sign the Italy international, who would join Frank Lampard and David Villa as the club's Designated Players.

Juve boss Massimiliano Allegri told Sky Sport Italia on Friday that the Champions League finalists were not looking to offload the 36-year-old but said he "must decide for himself" whether he wants to move on.

Toronto FC forward Sebastian Giovinco, who played alongside Pirlo with Italy and Juve, has told Sky Sport Italia he has spoken to the midfielder about MLS.

"I spoke to Andrea and told him what I think: that this is an experience worth having," he said in quotes translated by Football Italia. "Of course, then only he can decide his future."

The 28-year-old added: "I had two and a half wonderful years at Juventus, I won what I needed to win and did what was asked of me. I am happy to be here in Toronto and have no regrets.

"I knew it would be more difficult for me to get called up for the [italian national team] playing out here, but it remains my objective nonetheless. I will certainly do everything to wear the Azzurri jersey again."

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus star Pirlo set for New York City FC

The 36-year-old midfielder is on the verge of joining former England international
Frank Lampard and Spain's all-time record goalscorer, David Villa, at Yankee Stadium.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2015/06/21/12935582/-?

Jun 21, 2015

Juventus playmaker Andrea Pirlo will seal a switch to New York City FC on Friday, Goal understands.

The Italy international still has a year to run on his contract with the Bianconeri and had previously claimed that he would only consider leaving Turin if Massimiliano Allegri's men lifted the Champions League earlier this month.

However, despite Juve's 3-1 loss to Barcelona in Berlin, the uncertainty surrounding the midfielder's future has only intensified in recent weeks and, on Saturday, the 36-year-old attended a New York Yankees baseball game at Yankee Stadium - which is also home to NYCFC.

Goal has now learned that Pirlo has agreed a move to MLS and will be confirmed as an NYCFC player before the end of the week.

Pirlo will join former England international Frank Lampard and Spain's all-time record goalscorer, David Villa, at a club that only entered MLS this season.

Set-piece specialist Pirlo played 115 matches for Italy and was a key component in the side that claimed World Cup glory in 2006.

Despite his advancing years he remained a key player for Juventus last season, starting the Champions League final, and scored five Serie A goals in 19 starts and one substitute appearance as the Old Lady lifted the league title for a fourth straight time.

[Socrates 7971]

David Villa: It Would Be Great
To Play With Pirlo At NYCFC

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/david-villa-it-would-be-great-to-play-with-pirlo-at-nycfc/?

Jun 21, 2015

New York City FC forward David Villa has revealed that he would be happy to play alongside Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo if he were to join the new MLS side.

The Italian has been heavily linked with a move to the American team in recent months and is reportedly on the verge of completing a deal with them in the coming days, which has caused the former Barcelona man to express his praise for the Serie A legend.

Villa spoke to the press about the possibility of Pirlo joining NYCFC and admitted that he would love to be on the same team as the Juve star, but insists that it’s still too soon to talk about.

“It would be great to have the good fortune of being able to play with Pirlo, he’s a great player and a world star,” said the 33-year-old.

“It would definitely be a great thing, but it’s still too early to talk about it.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

Pirlo denies announcing Juventus exit for New York City FC

The veteran playmaker has pointed out that he could not have been
responsible for the Instagram post as he does not have an account.

 

http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4682/transfer-zone/2015/06/22/12954122/-?

 
Jun 22, 2015

Juventus ace Andrea Pirlo has denied that he is set to join Major League Soccer side New York City FC.

The 36-year-old playmaker is currently on holiday in the United States, fuelling rumours that he is ready to quit the Bianconeri this summer.

Pirlo even appeared to confirm the move to New York in a poorly written message on Instagram but the Italy international promptly pointed that he could not have been responsible for the post - not least because he has a good command of his own language.

"Good morning," he wrote on Twitter. "I would like to point out again that I have no profile on Instagram.

"If I open one, it will be written in proper Italian."

The midfielder joined the Bianconeri on a free transfer from AC Milan in the summer of 2011 and played a key role in the club's four subsequent Scudetti successes.

[Socrates 7971]

 

Pirlo Set To Earn At Least €5 Million
Per Season At New York City FC

 

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-mifielder-set-to-earn-at-least-e5-million-per-season-at-new-york-city-fc/?

 
Jun 23, 2015

Ahead of Andrea Pirlo’s proposed move from Italian champions Juventus to Major League Soccer side New York City FC, the figures for his forthcoming contract have been released.

The 36-year-old, who still has one year remaining on his current contract with the Bianconeri, is reportedly set to depart Turin this summer to become one of MLS’s most highly paid players.

The New York Daily News have reported that the 2006 World Cup winner is likely to earn around €5-6 million a year and could become the team’s joint top earner alongside ex-Barcelona man David Villa as well as former Chelsea player Frank Lampard, whose arrival is imminent following his loan spell at Manchester City.

During Pirlo’s decorated career, he has appeared for the likes of AC Milan, Inter and obviously Juventus and he has won the Scudetto six times as well as the Champions League twice during his 20 year career in Italian football.

[Socrates 7971]

 

Report: Pirlo agrees New York deal

 

http://www.football-italia.net/68167/report-pirlo-agrees-new-york-deal?

 
Jun 23, 2015

Reports in the U.S. claim Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has agreed a deal to join New York City.

The Italian international has a year remaining on his contract with the Bianconeri, but has been linked with a move to MLS this summer.

The New York Daily News says believes that Pirlo, who is the Big Apple at the moment, has agreed a deal with New York City worth between $5-$6m [€4.4-€5.3m] per season.

The news outlet believes the World Cup winner would join up with the American side within a few weeks, joining Frank Lampard and David Villa.

[Socrates 7971]

 

Pirlo to New York now

 

http://www.football-italia.net/68193/report-pirlo-new-york-now?

 
Jun 23, 2015

There are reports Andrea Pirlo has decided to join New York City FC next month rather than stay at Juventus until January.

The veteran midfielder will be out of contract on June 30 and is considering his prospects.

He’s spending his vacation in New York with his family, fuelling rumours of an imminent switch to the MLS club for €5m per season.

According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Pirlo has now made a decision – he will join NYCFC immediately rather than wait until January.

The other option had been to stay on at Juventus until the end of 2015.

Pirlo turned 36 years old last month and won five consecutive Scudetto titles – one at Milan, then four in a row at Juve.

[Socrates 7971]

 

Juventus Playmaker Yet To Finalise
Terms With New York City Over Move

 

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-playmaker-yet-to-finalise-terms-with-new-york-city-over-move/?

 
Jun 25, 2015

Juventus star Andrea Pirlo is getting ever closer to signing a lucrative deal with Major League Soccer outfit New York City FC.

There are some fine details to iron out before an official announcement is made, but Pirlo is fully expected to complete his transatlantic switch over the coming days.

According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, the former AC Milan and Inter player will sign an initial contract lasting almost 18 months — from this summer until November 2016 — but is still negotiating the terms by which a possible additional year extension would be triggered.

The 36-year-old has enjoyed a highly successful career for club and country, having won almost every major honour in the game.

His four seasons with Juve has seen the Bianconeri claim four Serie A titles in succession, as well as the Coppa Italia during a double-winning campaign last season.

[Socrates 7971]

 

Giovinco: Pirlo asked me about MLS

The Toronto star has acknowledged that his ex-team-mate has been in touch over
the state of the game in the USA and is eagerly anticipating his arrival.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/06/25/13045302/-?

 
Jun 25, 2015

Sebastian Giovinco has revealed that former Juventus team-mate Andrea Pirlo recently contacted him to enquire about playing in MLS.

Italy midfielder Pirlo is set to leave the Serie A champions for New York City FC and he got in touch with his compatriot first to find out what the game is like in the USA.

"He has sent me a message, but not from New York just now," Giovinco told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport.

"He asked me a while ago how I was and how things are here. I told him that playing in MLS is a great experience, something he should try.

"I don't think I was the one who convinced him to make the move, though. I am looking forward to playing against him.

"You cannot compare the level of play to that of the European leagues, but I am convinced that this can become an important league in the future. There is not as much quality and tactical discipline as in Europe, but the organisation is pretty well.

"They should change some rules to facililate the arrival of more players from abroad, like the salary cap.

Pirlo seems set to complete his move to New York in the coming days, joining former Barcelona and Spain star David Villa at the new franchise.

[Socrates 7971]

 

Juventus Legend Backs Pirlo’s MLS Switch

 

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/juventus-legend-backs-pirlos-mls-switch/?

 
Jun 25, 2015

Former Juventus player Alessandro Del Piero backed Andrea Pirlo’s reported move to MLS side NYCFC, rubber stamping the legitimacy of the 36-year-old’s decision.

After an impressive season when Juventus narrowly missed out on a treble when they lost the Champions League final to Barcelona, Pirlo would be ready to call an end to the Bianconeri chapter of his career.

Del Piero maintained backed Pirlo to make the right decision while also praising the rising stature of MLS, as well as commenting on Juventus’ upcoming season without the Italy international.

“The city [of New York] is great and MLS is growing,” said Del Piero to Sky Sport Italia.

“The Scudetto [and winning it again] will very much depend on the transfer market campaign and the other players [and their hunger] in the team.

“The synergy created in the group and during the training camp will be key.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

Rossi Advises Pirlo To Join MLS

 

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/06/rossi-advises-juventus-star-pirlo-to-join-mls/?

 
Jun 25, 2015

Italian international Giuseppe Rossi believes Andrea Pirlo would be making the right decision if he moved to the MLS.

Rossi, who was born in America, played alongside Pirlo for Italy and is adamant it would be a great experience for Pirlo should he move to America.

“I think he would be making a good choice if he went to the MLS.” Rossi told Sky Sport Italia.

“It would be a great experience for Pirlo if he were to go to America.

“Football in America is making huge strides forward and Pirlo could help the development of the game in that part of the world.

“Pirlo is one of the best players of his generation, he would add so much to football in America.

“We all know ho good Pirlo is and I am sue he would be a great success in the MLS.

“If he joined New York City he would be joining one of the best teams in the country.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

Andrea Pirlo to sign MLS contract with NYCFC next week

 

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/story/2506518/andrea-pirlo-to-sign-with-nycfc-next-week-source?

 
Jun 28, 2015

Italian star Andrea Pirlo will sign with New York City FC of Major League Soccer next week, a source with knowledge of the deal told ESPN Deportes' Roberto Abramowitz.

The MLS expansion franchise plan to annouce the deal on either Wednesday or Thursday, the source said.

Pirlo, 36, will sign an 18-month contract with NYCFC, taking him through the 2016 season, with an additional option for 2017, according to the source.

The midfielder will being training with the team on July 21 and be eligible to make his debut on July 26 when NYCFC hosts fellow expansion side Orlando City at Yankee Stadium.

Pirlo has won the Serie A title with Juventus in all four of his seasons there after playing 10 years for AC Milan. He won the 2006 World Cup with Italy.

Earlier on Saturday, ESPN FC reported that it was only a matter of time before Pirlo put pen to paper on an MLS contract.

He has one year left on his contract at Juventus but is very close to Bianconeri president Andrea Agnelli, who would not stand in Pirlo's way if he wanted to join MLS this summer, especially as the Italian champions have already signed Sami Khedira as a possible midfield replacement.

Pirlo will be NYCFC's third Designated Player. He'll join former Chelsea legend Frank Lampard in the midfield and give the club a trio of European stars with Spanish striker David Villa also on the books.

Pirlo attended the Yankees' Old-Timers' Day celebrations last Saturday before going on holiday in Miami.

Speaking on Thursday, MLS commissioner Don Garber was hesitant to confirm any pending deals when asked about Pirlo.

"I don't want to spend a lot of time talking about a player that I don't know will be here," Garber said.

"Clearly [Pirlo's] a world-class player who just played in the Champions League final. He's a legend. I'm not gonna worry about rating him or talking about him until he makes a decision and New York City makes a decision as to whether or not he's gonna be here."

[Socrates 7971]

 

Andrea Pirlo to sign with New York City FC next week

 

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/6/28/8858269/report-juventus-midfielder-andrea-pirlo-to-sign-with-new-york-city-fc-next-week

 
Jun 28, 2015

Andrea Pirlo is inching ever closer to making his move to the United States and New York City a reality. He's about to go from playing at one of Europe's best stadiums to one that seats 50,000 and is meant for baseball and that's about it.

Yes, Pirlo and Major League Soccer are about to be one of the same, according to a report from ESPNFC on Saturday night. It is the latest step in what media both state-side and in Italy have been saying ever since the Champions League final that has the legendary Italian midfielder departing his homeland this summer and heading to the Big Apple.

The MLS expansion franchise plan to annouce the deal on either Wednesday or Thursday, the source said.

Pirlo, 36, will sign an 18-month contract with NYCFC, taking him through the 2016 season, with an additional option for 2017, according to the source.

The midfielder will being training with the team on July 21 and be eligible to make his debut on July 26 when NYCFC hosts fellow expansion side Orlando City at Yankee Stadium.

Of course, Pirlo's quote after the loss to Barcelona in Berlin where he said "Were my tears a goodbye to Juventus? No, they were for the defeat." takes on a little bit of a different meaning than before all of this stuff about him moving to MLS started picking up serious momentum. Pirlo — whose contract with Juventus is due to expire next summer as the European championship gets underway — would be the third big-time yet aging Designated Player, joining former Chelsea midfielder Frank Lampard and Spanish striker David Villa.

The move to the U.S. will end what has been a fantastic and trophy-filled four-year stint with Juventus for Pirlo, who arrived on a free transfer after Milan somehow decided he was past it. Four years filled with trophies, victories over some of the best in Europe, another chance to win the Champions League and plenty of passes over the top of the defense to a darting-forward Stephan Lichtsteiner.

They were good times, without a doubt. But now they are inching toward officially being over. And, in turn, Pirlo will be heading to Yankee Stadium instead of Juventus Stadium for his home games. That will definitely be a change of pace.

[Socrates 7971]

 

Pirlo to leave Juventus for New York City FC

The Italy international has quit the Serie A champions after
four successful seasons and will continue his career in MLS.

 

http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2015/07/06/13345892/-?

 
Jul 6, 2015

Juventus have confirmed Andrea Pirlo has left the club to sign for New York City FC.

The Italy international had long been linked with a move to the MLS franchise and the reigning Serie A champions have now made his departure official.

"Andrea Pirlo has announced that he will continue his career in the United States, bringing the curtain down on four extraordinary seasons with the Bianconeri," a statement on the official Juventus website reads.

"Pirlo has ended his magnificent four-year stay at Juventus after officially completing a move to MLS outfit New York City.

"The mercurial midfielder represents the beginning and, until now, the progression of a cycle that has seen the Bianconeri return to the top table of football in Italy and Europe. His visionary passing, pinpoint assists, spectacular goals and masterful free-kicks have been instrumental in the club's continued rise."

Pirlo started his professional career with Brescia and also played for Inter, Reggina and Milan before joining Juventus in 2011.

He will offically join NYCFC on July 21 as their third designated player with David Villa and Frank Lampard already on their roster.

He told NYCFC.com: "I have been wanting this experience for a long time and now that the opportunity materialised 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."

New York City FC ✔@NYCFC
#NYCFC signs @Pirlo_official: http://bit.ly/1CkTSsN#WelcomePirlo

He added: "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.

“I met with the coach, Jason Kreis, and he gave me a fantastic impression of the club. He has well defined ideas in mind, and I am sure we will get on well and create a good relationship to train well and try to win together.”

[Socrates 7971]

 

Pirlo: ‘Thank you Juventus’

 

http://www.football-italia.net/68784/pirlo-%E2%80%98thank-you-juventus%E2%80%99?

 
Jul 6, 2015

Andrea Pirlo bids an emotional farewell to Juventus, as it’s announced he’s signed for MLS side New York City.

The midfielder spent four years with the Bianconeri, helping them to four successive titles, as well as the Coppa Italia and a Champions League final.

“It’s difficult to turn these emotions into words,” Pirlo posted on his official Twitter account.

“Especially since they involve four such important years in my life. I can only say a big ‘thank you’ to those who have accompanied and supported me on this adventure.

“The club, Juventus FC, from our President [Andrea Agnelli] to every single person who works there, to my teammates in many battles, through much laughter and a few tears, to the fans and all those who showed me affection even in the less beautiful moments.

“Thank you, from my heart, to all of you.

“It was not an easy decision, it’s time to start a new adventure, but that does not mean that I’ll ever forget the relationship I have with these colours.

“Fino alla fine [‘until the end’, the club’s motto], forza Juventus!”