Andrea Pirlo
The hottest team in Major League Soccer just signed another big name… A real big name.
Speculation was stirred up after Pirlo was seen around Manhattan, at New York Yankee games and the New York City derby last week between NYFC and the Red Bulls. Now, it’s confirmed Andrea Pirlo will be joining NYCFC as soon as his Visa clears.
The Italian legend will be playing alongside English legend Frank Lampard and Spanish legend David Villa in their state-side.
The three superstars have had a massive impact on European football, and now bring serious star power to a steadily growing American game.
Pirlo and the NYCFC will call Yankee stadium home until their new stadium in the Bronx is completed. In an interview, Pirlo said “I had several opportunities to play outside of Italy, but I never had a doubt in picking New York for the enthusiasm of the people that come watch the team.”
Haters will say, at 36 years of age, Andrea Pirlo is old and past his prime. That’s hard to argue, but it’s also hard to argue about the class and experience the midfielder brings to every team he’s played for.
The Career
He started his top-flight Italian professional career at the age of 16. Then at 22 years of age Pirlo signed for AC Milan. There he won two Serie A titles and two UEFA Champions League trophies with the Rossoneri.
In 2011 Pirlo moved to Juventus, were he continued his winning ways by leading them to four Serie A titles in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. Pirlo also helped the Bianconeri to the final of the UEFA Champions League last season.
Let’s not forget Pirlo’s accomplishments with the Italian National team- most notably the 2006 World Cup.
That year Pirlo led the Italians, starting all six games and brought the trophy back to Italy after 24 years. That same World Cup, he was voted the third best player in the entire tournament and rewarded with the Bronze Ball.
He also led the Italians to an impressive run to the semi-finals of the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup and to the final of Euro 2012.
Somethings get better with age.
In addition to his amazing field vision and ball handling, Pirlo is also considered one of the best free-kick specialists in the world.
When it comes to set-pieces, he’s well known for being able to put the ball exactly where he wants it. In the midfield, Pirlo’s uncanny passing skills should really open up the field for Villa and Lampard.
Most importantly Pirlo brings valuable experience and leadership, something most MLS teams lack…. And don’t forget about that beautiful beard, also truly world-class!
The expansion team NYCFC have won four of their last five games. Expect Yankee Stadium to be rocking and this white-hot team to get even hotter once Pirlo and Lampard arrive.
Will NYCFC bring home the MLS Cup their first year in the league?
