It is hard to find a player in this Champions League edition that knows more about what’s at stake that Juventus' Andrea Pirlo. The 35-year-old Italian midfielder has seen it all in his 110 ‘UCL games throughout his career including two titles.
17 years have gone by since Pirlo had his UCL debut with Inter in 1997. Back then, it was a dream to play in such an important competition. He is now a regular in it but he enjoys it as much as the first time.
“It’s always a special feeling listening to the anthem,” Pirlo said. “It is a Champions League match and a match with a different feeling from the ones you play on Sundays.”
Pirlo could make a comeback against Monaco
Apparently @OfficialAllegri is going for a 4-3-1-2 with @Pirlo_official in the XI (he has not played since February) #JuveMonaco #UCL
— Paolo Menicucci (@UEFAcomPaoloM) April 14, 2015
Only six years after his debut with Inter, Pirlo hoisted La Orejona with Milan in 2003. On their way to conquering Europe’s biggest soccer stage, they faced Inter in the semi-finals and beat Juventus in the deciding game of that long season.
“It was an excellent season,” Pirlo claimed. “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.”
Just give this man the ball
Even without the ball at his feet, our midfield magician @Pirlo_official continues to dicate play. #JuveMonaco #UCL pic.twitter.com/YZ25orD9pU
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) April 13, 2015
He was known in Milan as “The Metronome” for being able to control the pace of the game. He still does that with Juventus and his magic can be seen in almost every game. Pirlo has also had to endure some rough patches throughout his career.
“You think the match is won, but then it eneded in a way nobody could forsee,” Pirlo said about losing to Liverpool in the 2005 final when they lost a 3-0 lead.
Kaká, Ambrosini and Pirlo hold the UCL trophy in 2007
Two years later they were able to find the revenge they needed against the same team in the same stage. In 2007, Pirlo won what has been his last UCL trophy. In 2011 he switched sides to his current team, Juventus.
Pirlo seems to be the lucky charm for Juventus. Ever since he joined the Old Lady, the team has won three straight Serie A championships. That makes it 30 in the history of the club. They are currently on their way to a fourth consecutive title. The veteran player would love to get another UCL title in his resume.
Pirlo only has eight goals in his UCL career
