Italian midfield maestro Andrea Pirlo has decided to end his four year stint with Juventus and join MLS side New York City FC on a free transfer.

The move sees the thirty-six year old sign on as his new clubs third designated player.

After spending all his career in Italy, the international midfielder will now head Stateside and conclude his deal on the 21st of this month.

Pirlo exclusively told NYCFC.COM:

“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.”

“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.”

Andrea also had spells with both Inter and AC Milan before heading to Turn and has won six Serie A titles and the Champions League trophy twice. He has represented the Azzurri 115 times and helped them win the 2006 World Cup.

His new boss Jason Kreis had this to say about his new signing:

“We have said from the outset that the right player for the third DP slot was worth waiting for. Nobody could question that in Pirlo we are bringing one of the best in the world and one of the finest players to come to MLS. Like David Villa, his final game in Europe was the Champions League Final, which demonstrates a player competing at the highest level of our sport.”

“We are getting a player with a competitive spirit and a winning mentality. He’s not only won a World Cup, he was the Serie A Player of the Year in three of the last four seasons.”

Former Man City and Rangers midfielder Claudio Reyna is now New York City FC’s Sporting Director and he added:

“In Andrea Pirlo we are getting one of the most recognized and influential players in world soccer. We are building something incredibly special in New York; with a blend of exciting and experienced players who are known all over the world and with some fantastic young talent, who will only benefit from being around individuals like Andrea, David Villa and Frank Lampard. The greatest privilege of all will be to watch this team play in front of our incredible fans at Yankee Stadium.”

There is no doubt that Major League Soccer has signed yet another top player from Europe. Yes Pirlo is now a veteran but he remains a classy operator and will add a lot of kudos to the game of soccer in the States.

I urge any young followers of the sport in the US to keep an eye of Andrea Pirlo and learn from him. The midfield magician has a sublime first touch, a keen eye for an elegant pass, the composure of a champion and the passion that has defined every great Italian footballer!

Posted on July 6th, 2015 by scott
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