Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo insists playing in the Champions League is still a ‘dream’, even after 110 appearances.
The regista looks set to make his 111th appearance in Europe’s top club competition tonight for Juventus against Monaco, having previously represented Milan and Inter.
“Playing in the Champions League is every player's dream,” Pirlo told UEFA’s official website.
Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo insists playing in the Champions League is still a ‘dream’, even after 110 appearances.
The regista looks set to make his 111th appearance in Europe’s top club competition tonight for Juventus against Monaco, having previously represented Milan and Inter.
“Playing in the Champions League is every player's dream,” Pirlo told UEFA’s official website.
“I was fortunate enough that it came true for me, so I regard myself as lucky. It is a fantastic competition. It's always a special feeling listening to the anthem.
“When you hear that, it is a Champions League match and a match with a different feeling from the ones you play on Sundays. I hope I can continue playing in it a while longer.
“You need a lot of different ingredients to go all the way in the Champions League. You need a good squad, a bit of luck and good form.
“It depends a lot on how the teams shape up in that last period of the season because there can be so many games to play in the league and cup competitions. Injuries can also be a factor.”
The Italian international also looked back on his two previous triumphs in the competition with Milan, as well as a galling defeat.
“[In 2002/03] It was an excellent season.
“We had to start with a qualifying round, and there were still two group stages, so we had a lot of matches but with a fantastic team of great players.
“Then we played the semi-final and final against Italian sides [Inter and Juve] – something that is unlikely to happen again.
“That semi-final was especially electrifying. But luckily it was all over in the space of a week, because you could really feel the tension.
“2005? We played a spectacular first half in which we maybe played the best football of that era.
“Then something happened which shouldn't happen – [Liverpool came back from 3-0 down to 3-3, before winning on penalties] even we didn't really know what was going on.
“It was just unbelievable, but this is what can happen in football. You think the match is won, but then it ended in a way nobody could foresee.
“So, in 2007, there was the desire to lift the trophy again, which we should have done two years before.
“So it was a great feeling and a joy, which helped to erase the memories of that match two years before. We deserved it.”
Finally, Pirlo discussed his decision to sign for the Old Lady, after leaving Milan on a free transfer.
“After those ten years I needed a change of scene, so Juventus was the perfect place to go,” the playmaker explained.
“They had just finished seventh in the table and there was a great willingness to start afresh.
“We had three fantastic years straight away, winning three league titles.
“To come to a club like Juve and continue to be successful makes me very proud.”