Andrea Pirlo agrees deal to join New York City

Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo is leaving Juventus to join Major League Soccer side New York City FC, the Turin club have announced.

The Italy star, 36, will take his distinctive brand of elegance and élan to the MLS newcomers, after the Italian champions confirmed Pirlo was moving on after four seasons with the club.

The playmaker will link up with Frank Lampard and David Villa at Yankee Stadium, as NYC FC look to make a splash in their first full season in MLS.

In an effusive statement on the Juventus official website, the Bianconeri said:

“Pirlo is silent charisma, the steady hand in the middle of the park, the dummy that undoes the opposition defence. He’s that unexpected game that splits the game wide open, the lofted pass that brings a team to its knees.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to share these four fantastic seasons with Andrea, and all associated with Juventus wish him the very best for the future.

“Thanks for everything, Maestro, and good luck.”

Pirlo won four Serie A titles in four seasons with Juventus, scoring 19 goals in 164 games. He has 115 caps for Italy, and won the World Cup in 2006, where he was named MVP in the final against France.

Guardian Service