Andrea Pirlo had already announced he would retire by the end of the MLS season, but no one expected him to choose such a breath-taking way to make it official.
Pirlo's New York City FC was eliminated from the MLS Playoffs on Sunday, as the Newyorkers were beaten by Columbus Crew with a 4-3 aggregate in the Eastern Conference semis.
Earlier today, Andrea Pirlo stepped forward to announce his retirement via a heart-felt letter, thanking former team-mates, coaches and fans for all of their support throughout his 22 years as a footballer.
— Andrea Pirlo (@Pirlo_official) November 6, 2017
Pirlo's announcement gathered attention everywhere in the world, with colleagues and experts paying tribute to his career.
Andrea Pirlo has announced his retirement from football. One of the great midfielders of his generation. A beautiful footballer. #peerless
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) November 6, 2017
"Over 20 years teaching football lessons! Today is a sad day for us who love this sport. Mister Pirlo! All the best."
Más de 20 años dando clases de fútbol! Hoy, para los que nos apasiona este deporte, es un día triste! DON PIRLO! Suerte @Pirlo_official pic.twitter.com/Dt0UyF6nB9
— Iker Casillas (@IkerCasillas) November 6, 2017
"Those who played with Andrea can understand the meaning of the word 'unique'. A champion that has alternated class, elegance and humility"- Gianluigi Buffon
Chi ha giocato con Andrea ha compreso il significato della parola “unico”. Campione che ha alternato classe, eleganza e umiltà #Pirlo pic.twitter.com/PXNRbISuk0
— Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon) November 6, 2017
Cheers to the great Andrea Pirlo. Never got to see it in @MLS, but at his peak he was one of the greatest registas ever, behind only Xavi.
— Matthew Doyle (@MattDoyle76) November 6, 2017
The Italian National Team, New York City FC and his beloved Juventus posted tributes to the retiring star via Twitter.
| A star takes his leave. The quiet revolutionary Andrea #Pirlo has played his last game.
— Italy (@azzurri) November 6, 2017
https://t.co/r4RqeNA0ut#GrazieMaestro pic.twitter.com/iVc45AVfk7
A true genius of the Beautiful Game played his final match yesterday.
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) November 6, 2017
It’s been an honor to share the journey with you. Grazie, Maestro. pic.twitter.com/lcjIsey9BK
The definition of a glittering career in football #GrazieMaestro pic.twitter.com/e4Kdn81HVD
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) November 6, 2017
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