Andrea Pirlo is closer than ever to become the next big deal in the Major League Soccer as he is expected to sign with New York City FC within the next five days. The 36-year-old midfielder, winner of six Scudettos with AC Milan and Juventus, is starting to embrace the New York way of life after a 20-year-career in Italy.
Pirlo was recently spotted at Yankee Stadium watching a game of baseball in what could be his future home, as the same venue is used for both soccer and baseball games. This Sunday, during the NYC derby between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls, the Italian maestro was in attendance alongside Frank Lampard. The former Manchester City player has already signed his contract with NYCFC.
Pirlo arrived early to watch the derby as a guest for NYCFC
Andrea Pirlo in the house #NYCvNY pic.twitter.com/AEBUgvcxt0
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) June 28, 2015
In case Pirlo ends up signing his contract, he will be joining not only Lampard but also "El Guaje" David Villa with a team that is currently struggling to make an impact in their first season in Major League Soccer. They lost the derby at home 3-1. This season they have a 4-5-8 record and stand 9th in the Eastern Conference.
Pirlo and his girlfriend seem to like Yankee Stadium
Pirlo paying close attention to this NYCFC vs. Red Bulls game. pic.twitter.com/ulymc62cpa
— Raffaele (@ItalianoCalcio) June 28, 2015
Pirlo still has one year left in his contract with Juventus. In the last few weeks, he has made his intentions clear of looking for another club. Reports claim that the president of Juventus, Andrea Agnelli, would not stop his friend from leaving the team.
Pirlo was key in the multiple accomplishments by La Juve since 2011
Andrea Pirlo on his #UCLfinal reaction: "Were my tears a goodbye? No, they were for the defeat". #Juventus pic.twitter.com/SieMAJ3ePZ
— Bet9ja (@myBet9ja) June 8, 2015
He won two Champions League titles with Milan in 2003 and 2007. Pirlo had his chance of one more this year. His team fell short to Barcelona in the final of the 2015 UCL in Berlin. On the other hand, he can brag about a World Cup title with Italy in 2006 against France, which was played in the same Olympic Stadium.
Villa has said that bringing a man like Pirlo to NYCFC would really help his team. MLS Commisioner Don Garber would be thrilled if Pirlo decides to join the MLS side. As of right now, he does not want to get ahead of himself and will let New York City FC and Pirlo arrange the paperwork needed for him to begin a new adventure.
"He's a legend. I'm not gonna worry about rating him or talking about him until he makes a decision and New York City makes a decision as to whether or not he's gonna be here," Garber said.
This could be his new home starting this fall
Andrea Pirlo is set to sign for New York City FC. He will join Frank Lampard and David Villa. #NYCFC pic.twitter.com/2yUfZ2ZTqe
— Transfer Trends (@TransferTrends) June 22, 2015
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