In an interview with the Corriere della Sera, Andrea Pirlo, shut down all reports of a possible return to Serie A, claiming to be happy with New York City FC.
Andrea Pirlo may now be 36-years-old, but he is still one of the most talented midfielders on the planet. The maestro has a vision for the game like few others, and will have you salivating over his free kicks. It was a big score for both New York City FC and Major League Soccer when they were able to secure his services in the summer, and it would have been a significant blow if they lost him in January.
However, despite multiple reports from both sides of the pond that the Italian international was considering a move back to Serie A, Pirlo has denied that he is thinking about returning home.
“I enjoyed some extraordinary years at Juventus and achieved great success at Milan, but I will not return to Serie A,” he said in an interview with Italian outlet, Corriere della Sera. “Many teams approached me over the past few weeks, but I am not planning to go back on the decision I made a few months ago. It is also a matter of respect toward those who invested in me.
“I don’t miss Italy apart from my family and friends. I live relatively close to the training ground and my lifestyle is very much similar to what I did in Italy. I visit museums, exhibitions and go for runs through Central Park.”
There had been much talk as of late that he could sign with the club that he loved as a kid, Inter, but Pirlo quickly ruled out that option as well.
“Inter? A few teams have asked for me in the last few weeks. But I made a choice and it didn’t seem appropriate to disavow it after a few months. It’s also a question of respect for those who have invested in me,’ he said.
Pirlo and NYCFC kickoff the 2016 MLS campaign on March 6th against the Chicago Fire. before hosting Toronto FC for the home opener at Yankee Stadium on March 13th.