Footballing legend Andrea Pirlo has announced his retirement from the beautiful game at 38 years of age, which will come into affect once his current deal expires. And with his contract with New York City FC coming to an end this December, his decision to call it quits couldn't come at a better time.
The 38-year-old midfielder has come under recent scrutiny for poor effort by fans of the Major League Soccer side following their 4-0 dismal performance at Toronto. Footage of his relaxed and unusually lacking play spread online and possibly added to his decision to hang up his boots once and for all, as he continues to struggle with knee injuries.
"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.
"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."
The Architect has been linked to a reunion with Conte as his assistant at Chelsea, but he was quick to deny the rumors:
"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."
Undoubtedly one of the game's best playmakers, Pirlo's well respected career - that has seen him claim six Serie A titles, two Champions Leagues, and a World Cup - spanned 22 years, with 20 coming at his home league.
The Azzurri maestro earned a formidable reputation as a gifted passer, a midfielder with a composed possession of the ball, and a set-piece specialist. He will join Xabi Alonso as one of the latest icons to hang up his boots.
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