Andrea Pirlo: Italian legend reveals that his only regret in football is not playing for Barcelona or Real Madrid
Legend spent his entire career in Serie A until a 2015 switch to the MLS and new franchise New York City
ANDREA PIRLO has revealed that his main regret in football was never playing for Spanish giants Barcelona or Real Madrid.
The Italian legend, 35, spent his entire career in Serie A until a 2015 switch to the MLS and new franchise New York City.
After winning six domestic titles, two Champions League winners medals and the World Cup, it seems odd that Pirlo would have any sort of regret.
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But he has conceded that in 2010 he was given the chance to join Real - but was unable to leave due to his contract with AC Milan.
He told Marca: "What I regret is not having played for Real Madrid or Barcelona.
"In 2010, I could become a player of Real and many players have contacted us to convince me. But I was under contract with Milan and I could do nothing to leave.";
"I was 10 years at Milan where I won everything I could win and I am also pleased to have played in the three biggest clubs in Italy".
After the Champions League final defeat against Barcelona in 2015, Pirlo packed his bags for the United States, accepting the offer from New York City.
He continued: "After twenty years of career at the highest level, I needed to get away and have fun playing football - with less of the stress.
"I was feeling mentally blocked after the Champions League final with Barcelona.
"When the head tells you that it's time to be quiet and rest, you have to listen.
"What comes after the American experience, however, that is still to be decided.
"I will stay in football because it's the only thing I can do. Football is my life, I'll go into management or something like that."
And he had a final word for the man he never got to play with - Lionel Messi.
Pirlo grinned: "He’s amazing, he’s the best player in the world.
“Everything he’s done over this time is unrepeatable.
“I don’t think there will be another player like him in the coming years.”