Pirlo

PIRLO AT HIS BEST

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Andrea Pirlo was allowed to leave AC Milan on the grounds that he was past his best, but the Italian midfielder has been one of the best players in the Italian league over the last two seasons. He has helped Juventus win back-to-back Italian Serie A titles and they are now looking to win a third consecutive title this season. However, there have been several rumours about the future of Pirlo at Turin. This is primarily due to the age of the midfielder. At 34 years of age, he does not have a long time left in football.

He has said that he wants to remain at Juventus for the coming seasons as well, but he is not looking to be a burden to the club in the attempts to do so. Pirlo will be seeing over the coming months his performance with Juventus in various competitions and he will be assessing his future. Pirlo, though, has quashed any rumours of a possible retirement at the end of the season by saying that he wants to carry on playing for quite a while. Juventus face a big struggle to win the title for the third consecutive season. A number of their rivals have strengthened, while pre-season has also not been good for Antonio Conte’s men.

“Of course I will continue to play, we’ll see where. I have already spoken to the club and we will meet again at the end of the season to decide. My priority is to stay at Juve but I do not want to be a burden to anyone. Through the years it has been said I should stay just because my name is Pirlo. But I want to feel important and help towards the success of the team. If that’s not the case, I will go,” said Pirlo.

Pirlo Calls for Success

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Andrea Pirlo is calling upon his international team mates to follow the example of his club side, Juventus in their unfamiliar situation of not being amongst the favourites. Juventus were written off by many at the start of this season, similarly to how Italy have been written off ahead of Euro 2012. Juve went on to win Serie A in an undefeated season and Pirlo believes that the Italian National side can follow his club’s example.

Pirlo dismissed the Azzurri’s critics by pointing to his own situation and the way he was written off at the start of the season. “At Milan they thought I was finished, but here I am.” At the age of 33 his career is in the winding down phase but he does not see that as any reason to lower expectations. And why would he? He has played a leading role in Juventus’ successes this season and is hoping that he could do the same in what could be his final major tournament with Italy.

The Italians it would appear are not buying into their tag as a weaker side and one that won’t be competing in the latter stages of the tournament. “Our objective is to go all the way in the competition. We are not among the favourites and we know that, but I am convinced Italy can finish in the top four. Spain are the reigning World and European Champions, so clearly they are favourites, especially with Cesc Fabregas on form. Then there are great sides like Holland, Steven Gerrard‘s England, Germany and France.”

They appreciate that their task will be an uphill one but they are aiming high and they do have the calibre and experience to go all the way. Pirlo and the Juve players in particular will be able to draw inspiration from the club’s success this season and will be hoping to repeat their impressive feat to crown a great season.