Chelsea news: Andrea Pirlo’s retirement leads to Blues fans hinting the Italian will replace Michael Emenalo

CHELSEA fans remain convinced that Italian legend Andrea Pirlo will join the club.

The 38-year-old has long been rumoured to coming to Stamford Bridge to join Antonio Conte's staff.

And speculation only intensified yesterday when he announced his retirement from playing within hours of Michael Emenalo quitting his role as technical director at the Blues.

Emenalo, 52, has been in West London for over a decade and played a huge part in their recent successes, with the club winning eight major honours during his time there.

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In a statement on Instagram he wrote: "Not only my adventure in NY comes to an end but my journey as a football player as well.

"That is why I would like to take the opportunity to thank my family and my children for the support and love they always give me, every team that I had the honour to play for, every team-mate I have been pleased to play alongside, all the people that made my career such incredible and last but not least, all the fans around the world that always showed me support.

"You will always be on my side and in my heart."

ANT EM SHOCK Conte’s Chelsea future rocked by exit of Michael Emenalo

Pirlo has previously denied any Chelsea links, but many see it as too much of a coincidence both he and Emenalo made major announcements on their futures on the same day.

The iconic playmaker knows well having played under him for three years Juventus, and that led to claims he would be brought to the Blues as a coach.

However, many are now claiming on Twitter that he has in fact been lined-up as the club's new technical director:

When asked previously about Chelsea, Conte told the Daily Mail: “No I won't. I need to rest.

“I will go back to Italy, have a break and spend time with my family and friends. Take some time to think about what to do next.”

The former AC Milan and and Inter man is not the only name from football royalty being linked to the post.

Chelsea legend Frank Lampard's name has been mooted along with fellow former Blues player Andriy Shevchenko and the Prem side's former manager Guus Hiddink.

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