New York City FC have signed Italian midfield legend Andrea Pirlo, 36, after Champions League finalists Juventus agreed to release the veteran from his contract a year early to join the MLS outfit on a two and a half year deal.
#WelcomePirlo (cc: Frank Lampard, @Pirlo_official) pic.twitter.com/8q3u0OqhYm
— New York City FC (@newyorkcityfc) July 6, 2015
Pirlo, who has 115 caps for Italy, had been courted for some time by New York City FC and explained his decision to move to American on 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 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.”
Pirlo will become NYC’s third designated player and will join Frank Lampard and David Villa on July 21.
Pirlo’s potential future midfield partner Lampard is expected to make his first start for the American side at the Yankee Stadium on Sunday against Toronto FC.