Andrea Pirlo has formally announced his retirement from professional football after a trophy-laden 22-year career.
The former Italy international, 38, played his final match on Sunday as New York City FC were knocked out of the MLS Cup play-offs by the Columbus Crew.
City needed to overturn a 4-1 deficit from the first leg but, despite a 2-0 victory at Yankee Stadium, their post-season involvement came to an end, and with it Pirlo’s career.
Classy, elegant and forever a #WorldCup winner ????????
Your talent on the field will be sorely missed, @Pirlo_official ????????
Happy retirement! pic.twitter.com/6s0jmGJ2W3
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 6, 2017
The former AC Milan and Juventus playmaker revealed earlier this year he was planning to retire at the end of the MLS season, and on Monday he published a farewell message through his Twitter account.
— Andrea Pirlo (@Pirlo_official) November 6, 2017
Pirlo joined New York City FC in July 2015 as one of the most decorated and respected players in global football.
Andrea Pirlo has announced his retirement from football. One of the great midfielders of his generation. A beautiful footballer. #peerless
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 6, 2017
He helped Juve win four successive Serie A titles after joining them in 2011, having previously spent a decade at Milan, with whom he claimed a host of trophies, including winning two Champions Leagues, Serie A twice, the Coppa Italia and the FIFA Club World Cup.
757 games ????
116 caps ????????
86 goals ⚽️
6 league titles ????
2 UCL ????
1 World Cup ????
1 amazing beard ????Happy retirment Andrea Pirlo ???????????? pic.twitter.com/pcv7WAdJPC
— bwin (@bwin) November 6, 2017
He also collected 116 caps for Italy and was a member of their 2006 World Cup-winning squad before retiring from international football in 2015.
