NYCFC announce capture of Juventus legend Pirlo

David Cooper - Writer 07:18 07/07/2015
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  • In the USA: Pirlo.

    Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is relishing the challenge ahead after leaving Juventus for Major League Soccer side New York City FC.

    The 36-year-old has long been linked with a move to the United States and it has now been confirmed by both clubs that he will join Spain’s all-time record goalscorer David Villa and former Eng- land midfielder Frank Lampard in the Big Apple.

    A statement from Juventus read: “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.

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

    Pirlo, who had one year left on his contract with Juve, helped the Turin giants win the domestic double – for the first time since 1995 – and reach the Champions League final last season. But he is now looking forward to the next chapter in his career.

    He said: “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.

    “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.”

    The mercurial midfielder, who is expected to sign an 18-month deal with New York City, will be much missed by the Bianconeri after helping the club return to the top table of football in Italy and Europe.

    However, they have been given a boost as coach Massimiliano Allegri and key midfielder Claudio Marchisio have both agreed contract extensions.

    Allegri has extended his contract by a year until 2017, becoming Serie A’s second highest-paid coach – behind Internazionale boss Roberto Mancini.

    He managed to win them over by leading the club to a fourth consecutive Scudetto as well as victory in the Coppa Italia. Juve also reached the final of the Champions League for the first time since 2003.

    Meanwhile, Marchisio is set to end his career with Juve after he signed a new five-year contract.

    The 29-year-old said: “This is a starting point for me; to start win- ning things all over again. I’m truly delighted to be able to wear the shirt I’ve always wanted to wear.” 

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