Andrea Pirlo admits ‘the cycle was over’ for his Juventus career, following his move to New York City FC.
The Italian international has moved to the MLS side on a free transfer, one year before the intended end of his Bianconeri contract.
“It would have been better to finish with a win,” Pirlo told the New York City’s official website, talking about the losing Champions League final.
“However, for me the cycle was still over. I needed a new challenge, and the City were the best choice.
Andrea Pirlo admits ‘the cycle was over’ for his Juventus career, following his move to New York City FC.
The Italian international has moved to the MLS side on a free transfer, one year before the intended end of his Bianconeri contract.
“It would have been better to finish with a win,” Pirlo told the New York City’s official website, talking about the losing Champions League final.
“However, for me the cycle was still over. I needed a new challenge, and the City were the best choice.
“I had four fantastic years [at Juventus] where we started from scratch and built a winning team which achieved tremendous success. I hope to do that here in New York too.”
The World Cup winner is also confident his move to MLS will not affect his chances with Italy.
“It doesn’t change anything for me. I spoke to him [CT Antonio Conte], he knows it’s a competitive league, that nothing has changed and that I’ll do everything to be called-up for the European Championships.
“I was sad to leave, but we all have to make choices in life, and it was the right time to leave Italy, I’d played with the best teams [Inter, Milan and Juve] and I didn’t see myself in another shirt.
“I’ll always be happy to represent Italy with the shirts of clubs or the national team, I’m Italian, and my heart will always be there.”
Pirlo has played in all the great stadiums of Europe, is he looking forward to turning out at Yankee Stadium?
“It’s iconic, it gives you chills as you walk in,” Pirlo said.
“I can’t wait to be on the pitch and play in this stadium. I hope a lot of people can come to watch us play and see me up close.
“I look forward to everyone coming to watch in New York.”