However, Pirlo has played just 15 of NYCFC's 32 MLS games this season and, with the 38-year-old out of contract after December 31, he says the time has come to bring an end to his playing days. "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.Farewell, Andrea Pirlo...
Football's last artist in an era of athletes. https://t.co/yg5flMPk6i(By @carlogarganese) pic.twitter.com/V6u4Ks6o3U— Goal (@goal) October 8, 2017
"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 have been suggestions Pirlo could reunite with former coach Antonio Conte at Chelsea to work as his assistant, but he insists he has not made a decision on what his future hold. "I'll do something else, I'll be back in Italy in December," he said. "Work with Conte? They say things, I have some ideas, but give me time to decide."Andrea Pirlo has announced his retirement when his NYCFC contract runs out in December.
We'll miss you, legend. pic.twitter.com/5jX6VltYqd— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) October 8, 2017
The 116-time Italy international came through the Brescia youth system and spent three years at Inter before joining city rivals AC Milan, where he made 400 apperances over a 10-year spell. Pirlo won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, where he was man of the match in three of their matches including the memorable final against France.Happy retirement, Andrea Pirlo.
755 club games ?? 116 senior caps ?? 86 goals ⚽️ 17 trophies ? One of the coolest to ever do it. ? pic.twitter.com/xmesLx309s— Squawka Football (@Squawka) October 8, 2017
He then went on to enjoy a successful spell at Juve, winning the league four times in a row before moving to the United States. At Euro 2012, the veteran midfielder was instrumental in the Azzurri reaching the final where they lost to Spain. Pirlo played a pivotal role for NYCFC last season, making 33 appearances as they reached the quarter-finals of the MLS playoffs before having his role cut this term.Andrea Pirlo is nearing the end of a truly remarkable career for club and country ... pic.twitter.com/WI04vuCv1t
— Goal UK (@GoalUK) October 9, 2017
If you haven't seen this legend play, better book your tickets now! I doubt that anyone will ever play like Andrea Pirlo. #NoPirloNoParty pic.twitter.com/kkqROMN8jH
— Ilkay Gündogan (@IlkayGuendogan) October 8, 2017
LEGEND ? pic.twitter.com/LE0wGrdhJt— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) October 8, 2017
