Andrea Pirlo

[Socrates 8524]

Milan wish Pirlo speedy recovery

The Rossoneri hope the midfielder returns to action swiftly after picking up
a muscular problem against Udinese for Juventus at the weekend.

Dec 3, 2012

AC Milan have wished former midfielder Andrea Pirlo a swift recovery after the Juventus talisman suffered ligament damage on Sunday.

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The 34-year-old was substituted in the first half as the Bianconeri beat Udinese 1-0 and, on Monday, it was confirmed that the Italy international had damaged the medial ligament in his right knee.

Although no official return date has been given, Pirlo is expected to be out until at least the middle of January and the Rossoneri - whom he left in 2011 on a free transfer - expressed their hope that he returns to action in Italy quickly.

"Everybody at Milan, from the players to the coaching staff, would like to send their regards to Andrea Pirlo and wish him a speedy recovery with his knee injury," the San Siro side said in a statement on their website on Tuesday.

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Pirlo's fitness woes mean he will not feature in Juve's crunch Champions League tie with Galatasaray on December 10, when the team need at least a draw at the Turk Telekom Arena to qualify for the last 16 of the competition behind Real Madrid in Group B.

Next up, though, is a trip to Bologna on Friday as they hope to extend their three-point lead over second-placed Roma in Serie A.

[Socrates 8524]

Barzagli: Juve can cope without Pirlo

The defender is confident that the midfielder's absence will not see
the Bianconeri's strong run of form falter heading towards the winter break.

Dec 3, 2012

Andrea Barzagli is confident Juventus will cope without Andrea Pirlo after the midfielder was ruled out indefinitely with ligament damage.

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The Italy veteran picked up the medial knee injury in the Bianconeri's win over Udinese on Sunday and is expected to be out of action for at least six weeks, though the Turin club have declined to set a return date for the midfielder.

With the likes of Claudio Marchisio, Paul Pogba and Arturo Vidal available play in central midfield for Antonio Conte's men, Barzagli has total confidence that the Serie A leaders can continue their fine domestic form.

"Andrea is important to us," the 32-year-old told reporters at the club's annual Castagna d'Oro ceremony, with Vidal the winner of the best player of 2012-13 after Pirlo won the award - voted for by fans - last year.

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"He is one of the best players in the world and gives us a lot of experience. Fortunately, we have other players who are strong in midfield, though admittedly there is no one else quite like him.

"But we are still a great team and we will try to impose our game on the opposition without him."

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo and Vidal for FIFPro Award

Dec 6, 2013

Juventus stars Andrea Pirlo and Arturo Vidal are nominated for the FIFPro World XI as best midfielders.

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All this week FIFA are announcing the 55 players in contention for the FIFPro World XI, which will be announced at the FIFA Ballon d’Or award ceremony at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on January 13, 2014.

Today it was the turn of the midfielders, including two Serie A figures, both of them at Juventus.

Pirlo and Chile international Vidal are in the running along with the likes of Gareth Bale, Steven Gerrard, Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.

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FIFPro World XI 2013 midfield nominees:

Xabi Alonso (Spain, Real Madrid CF); Gareth Bale (Wales, Tottenham Hotspur FC/Real Madrid CF); Sergio Busquets (Spain, FC Barcelona); Steven Gerrard (England, Liverpool FC); Andrés Iniesta (Spain, FC Barcelona); Isco (Spain, Málaga CF/ Real Madrid CF); Mesut Özil (Germany, Real Madrid CF/Arsenal FC); Andrea Pirlo (Italy, Juventus); Marco Reus (Germany, Borussia Dortmund); Franck Ribéry (France, FC Bayern München), Arjen Robben (Netherlands, FC Bayern München); Bastian Schweinsteiger (Germany, FC Bayern München); Yaya Touré (Côte d’Ivoire, Manchester City FC); Arturo Vidal (Chile, Juventus); Xavi (Spain; FC Barcelona)

[Socrates 8524]

Debate: Should Juventus keep or release Andrea Pirlo?

The metronomic midfielder’s deal in Turin runs out next June but should
the Bianconeri build their future around the ageing World Cup winner?

Dec 10, 2012

DEBATE
By Carlo Garganese and Peter Staunton

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The biggest talking point ahead of Juventus’ do-or-die Champions League clash with Galatasaray on Tuesday centres around someone who won’t even be playing in Istanbul.

Andrea Pirlo will be unable to assist his team-mates in earning the point they need to qualify from Group B, after being ruled out for at least six weeks with a knee ligament injury.

The 34-year-old’s contract at Juve will expire next summer and so far the two parties have yet to agree on a new deal. Goal’s Juventus correspondent Romeo Agresti understands that the 2006 World Cup star wishes to remain in Turin and is requesting a two-year contract. But Juve, who will not make their final decision until February, are only willing to propose a one-year extension with the option of a second. They also plan to reduce Pirlo’s annual €4 million salary by between €700,000 and €1m.

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So, are Juventus right to play hardball and thus risk losing their legendary midfielder? Or should they rethink their strategy and ensure they tie down the ex-AC Milan star?

Goal’s Carlo Garganese and Peter Staunton go head-to-head over the issue.

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"JUST LIKE MILAN, JUVE WOULD REGRET LOSING PIRLO"

By Carlo Garganese

If Juventus lose Andrea Pirlo at the end of the season, they will live to regret it. Just as AC Milan did back in 2011, when Adriano Galliani refused to alter his policy of offering one-year rolling deals to players over the age of 30.

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Pirlo may turn 35 next May, but he is a timeless footballer. He has never boasted pace, physique or stamina – not even at the peak of his powers back in 2006 – but he is so uniquely intelligent that he can easily star on the biggest stage for at least another couple of years.

Like a Francesco Totti or Frank Lampard, the Brescia native won’t shine three times a week at a high intensity – but, managed properly, he will continue to be an indispensable member of the Juventus team. Furthermore, Pirlo is set to retire from international football after the World Cup - which will increase his rest periods.

After two successive Scudetti, Juventus are comfortably the strongest side in Italy and their next step is to conquer the Champions League. In order to achieve this, they will need to switch formation to a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1, which will require new full-backs and outside-attackers.

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Were they to release Pirlo, instead of improving these areas, Juve would waste a large chunk of their transfer budget signing a replacement in centre midfield – the one area of the pitch where the Bianconeri can currently match any side in Europe. It would take a bid of at least €20m to secure his natural heir, Marco Verratti.

And if we are to further extend the economic argument, commercially Pirlo is - along with Gianluigi Buffon - a huge asset in markets such as Asia. The equally brilliant Arturo Vidal and Paul Pogba are not.

From both a sporting and economic standpoint, it would be suicide for Juventus to let Pirlo go.

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"PIRLO IS PAST HIS BEST & CAN NO LONGER DELIVER"

By Peter Staunton

After what will be another 40 or 50-match season and another summer of tournament football, it is worth asking just how fit and useful Andrea Pirlo will be heading into the 2014-15 campaign.

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To offer a multi-year deal, at €4m-€5m per annum, to a 35-year old midfielder coming off the back of a knee ligament injury would be folly of the highest order. Juventus did not hang around when it came to renewing Arturo Vidal's contract but Pirlo's situation does not seem to be the same kind of priority.

It's time that Juventus began to embed a new way of playing - with Paul Pogba replacing Pirlo at the heart of midfield. That's the long-term plan. They need the energy of Vidal and Pogba in there, along with the probing capabilities of Claudio Marchisio. Vitally, all three can press more intensely than Pirlo, who has never provided that sort of athleticism in the engine room.

While Pirlo has flickered this season, it is clear that he is past his best. Ponderous play on the ball has seen him repeatedly caught in possession, while he lacks the requisite thrust to track counterattacks when Juventus lose the ball. He deteriorates as games go on and has had to be replaced on occasions. And when the important games roll around, especially in the Champions League, Pirlo can no longer deliver.

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He remains a player who dictates the pace but Juventus are noticeably slower for his presence. Furthermore, as Bayern and Mario Manduzkic showed last season, if a team can prevent Pirlo from playing his natural game, Juventus are as good as neutered. To be so reliant on one man is not a position a club the scale of Juventus should be in - and coach Antonio Conte knows it.

It is true that no single player has done more to reinvent Juventus as a winning team since 2011. But it's time to cut him loose.

[Socrates 8524]

Juve cool over Pirlo and Pogba

Dec 18, 2013

Juventus director general Beppe Marotta is confident Andrea Pirlo and Paul Pogba will sign new contracts at the club.

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Pirlo’s deal will expire in the summer, while the French youngster is set to be rewarded for his rise in the game with improved terms.

“There will be no announcements under the tree,” Marotta told Rai Sport when asked about the midfield duo.

“I don’t think anything will be sorted out before Christmas, but we are calm as there is an idyllic relationship between us and the players.

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“They consider Juventus to be their home, their natural habitat and it would be hard for them to find something better.

“I think we’ll resolve these situations in a small amount of time.”

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo waiting for signal from Juventus to extend

Dec 19, 2013

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo is reportedly waiting for signals from the Old Lady as he hopes to extend his stay with the Turin outfit.

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Although general director Beppe Marotta said on Wednesday that there would be no talks of a contract extension anytime this month, the player is said to have made Turin his home and doesn’t wish to depart the club in the near future.

However, Sky Sports 24 reports that Pirlo and his agent were recently spotted at a dinner which was also attended by AC Milan chief Adriano Galliani.

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Whilst it is highly regarded that there was nothing but the mere exchange of greetings during their encounter, some outlets suggest that the player’s good relationship with the Rossoneri means that anything is possible if he fails to meet an agreement with the Bianconeri.

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo back early for Juventus

Dec 27, 2013

Andrea Pirlo has cut short his Christmas holidays in order to prove his fitness for the Juventus-Roma showdown.

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The Italian international has been out of action since picking up a knee problem at the start of this month against Udinese.

According to Tuttosport, the former Milan playmaker will be at the Vinovo training centre on Friday – two days before the rest of his teammates are set to report back to Turin.

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Juventus, five points clear at the top of the table, will entertain the second-placed Giallorossi on January 5.

[Socrates 8524]

Ancelotti interested in Pirlo

The Italy international is out of contract next summer
and his former coach at AC Milan is keeping an eye on his next move.

Jan 2, 2014

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has enquired about the availability of Andrea Pirlo, according to the Italian's former assistant coach Ciaschini Giorgio.

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The Italy international is out of contract at Juventus as of next summer and Ancelotti - who coached the 34-year-old during his time in charge of AC Milan - is keen on a reunion with his former player.

Madrid could face the prospect of filling a big hole in their midfield should Xabi Alonso opt to run down his contract and move on in June and Giorgio says the Blancos coach remains a big admirer of Pirlo.

"Pirlo is a player who could fit into any side," the 66-year-old former Milan assistant told AS. "The only reason he left Milan was because of physical issues and not technical or tactical reasons.

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"Ancelotti asked about him while I was at Chelsea, last season at PSG and even recently with Real Madrid, Pirlo is a universal footballer, the problem is Juventus are not that keen on selling the player."

Ancelotti has been linked with a return to the Rossoneri in the future, having lifted Serie A once and the Champions League twice in his eight years at San Siro and Ciaschini admitted the 54-year-old retains a strong affection for his old club.

"When Ancelotti talks about Milan he does so from the heart. I think he would be very happy in Milan again one day."

[Socrates 8524]

Marotta: We will renew Pirlo

Jan 7, 2014

As Beppe Marotta reportedly probes Andrea Pirlo’s environment for indications, he comments: “There is no possibility of a separation.”

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Juventus are believed set to open negotiations this February on extending Pirlo’s current contract beyond its expiry at the end of this season.

However, the giornalaccio rosa dello Sport report that director general Marotta will look to pick up an indication from the player’s immediate environment on what his intentions may be.

Juve are seen to be preparing a two-year offer paying €4m per season to try and keep the playmaker in their ranks beyond this summer.

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It is understood that Pirlo is looking for a three-year contract, with Tottenham said to still be pushing with their own offer, but Marotta has revealed his confidence on Juve’s position.

“With Pirlo there is no possibility of separation, I can say that his contract will be extended as soon as possible, since relations are excellent,” Marotta has told reporters today.

“The duration of his contract? We will let you know when it is defined.”

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo agrees Juve contract?

Jan 8, 2014

There are reports Andrea Pirlo has agreed a contract extension with Juventus after he was spotted at the club HQ.

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The 34-year-old midfielder’s current deal expires at the end of the season, fuelling rumours he could be snapped up on a free transfer by Real Madrid.

Several different Italian news sources confirmed Pirlo was spotted at the Bianconeri headquarters this afternoon with President Andrea Agnelli, directors Beppe Marotta and Fabio Paratici.

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It’s reported Pirlo accepted the offer of a new two-year contract worth €4m per season plus performance-related bonuses.

[Socrates 8524]

Juventus midfield maestro set for new contract

Jan 9, 2014

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo is expected to sign a two-year extension with the Old Lady, allowing anxious supporters to heave a sigh of relief.

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The 34-year-old reportedly met with the Bianconeri’s board of directors including president Andrea Agnelli and reached an agreement which will see the former AC Milan player earn around €4 million per season.

According to TuttoSport, there are only a few details related to bonuses left to sort out, after which the club will likely make the deal official, keeping the player at the Juventus Stadium until the end of the 2015-16 season.

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The 2012 Serie A footballer of the year has been an instrumental part of the Bianconeri’s squad ever since his move from the Rossoneri in the summer of 2011, featuring 82 times and scoring 11 goals for the Old Lady.

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo: 'I want Juve extension'

Jan 11, 2014

Andrea Pirlo revealed he “wants to stay at Juventus,” will soon secure a contract extension and is eager to forget the Champions League.

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The midfielder’s current deal expires in June, prompting fears he could leave on a free transfer for Real Madrid, where he’d reunite with Carlo Ancelotti.

“If I chose to leave Milan for Juve it was because I hoped to begin a winning era in a new club,” he told Radio 105.

“My intentions are clear, as I want to stay at Juventus. Over the next few days we’ll meet with the club and there is optimism.

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“I still want to play. I don’t know when I will retire, but as long as I have the desire to train and fight, I will certainly continue.

“Antonio Conte is a Coach who gives his players a great deal, but expects a lot in return. He brought back a winning spirit to Juve and there is certainly a lot of his doing in our results.

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“The turning point of our campaign was definitely the black-out against Fiorentina. Going from 2-0 down to losing 4-2 made us think about what we were doing and from then on we won 10 consecutive games. We realised that winning is not the norm. To win you need desire and sacrifice.

“Unfortunately in the Champions League we got the first two games wrong and they proved decisive, because they compromised our qualification. Now we have turned over a new leaf and focused on Serie A. It’s better not to think about it now.”

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo keen to sort Juventus future

The Italy international will hold talks with the Serie A leaders
in the upcoming days as he has set his sights on a new deal.

Jan 11, 2014

Andrea Pirlo has stressed that his intention has always been to remain at Juventus and that he is keen to sort his future sooner rather than later.

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The 34-year-old has a contract with the Serie A champions that expires this summer and he had recently been linked with a move away from the Turin giants.

However, Pirlo has now made it clear that he's eager to commit his future to Juventus, where he has been since 2011 after joining from AC Milan.

"It has always been my intention to remain at Juventus," the influential midfielder told Radio 105.

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"We will sit down with the club in the next few days and we will see what happens. I am optimistic about my renewal. There's no deadline to sort it.

"I am feeling well and I am still motivated to keep on playing and go on. I will quit when I no longer enjoy training and playing, but it all depends on how I feel."

Pirlo has made 14 Serie A appearances so far this term, scoring three goals in the process.

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo has already signed Juventus renewal

Jan 14, 2014

Reports in the Italian media suggest Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has already signed a new contract with the club, with an official announcement set to come in early February.

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The 34-year-old is reported to have signed a two year contract that will keep him at the Old Lady until 2016.

According to La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport, Pirlo’s deal is for €4 million a year. The paper speculates that the official announcement of the signing will come shortly after the Derby D’Italia between Inter and Juventus on Feb. 2.

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The report suggests that there are still few minor issues to be ironed out between the club and its star midfielder, but nothing that would threaten the deal being finalized.

Pirlo had been the subject of some transfer speculation this month, including a link with Manchester United whose manager, David Moyes, was in the stands to watch Sunday’s Cagliari-Juventus match.

[Socrates 8524]

Ancelotti: 'Pirlo and Baggio'

Jan 17, 2014

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said Andrea Pirlo is the “most intelligent player” he worked with and his big Roberto Baggio regret.

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The Coach spoke to the Financial Times in a far-reaching interview in which he dubbed football “the most important of the less important things in the world.

“Usually the most intelligent player is a midfielder. I could say Pirlo, I could say Xabi Alonso, Thiago Motta, Didier Deschamps. All midfielders.”

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A disciple of Arrigo Sacchi, Ancelotti admits his early attachment to the 4-4-2 system made him too intractable and he learned a valuable lesson when he turned down the chance to sign Baggio for Parma.

“I said, ‘No, you have to play striker.’ Baggio went to another club. That year Baggio scored 22 goals – for Bologna! I lost 22 goals! Big mistake.”

[Socrates 8524]

Verratti dreams of Pirlo pairing

Jan 18, 2014

Marco Verratti admits “it would be splendid” to play alongside Andrea Pirlo, while his agent reveals just how close he came to Juventus.

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Italy and Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Verratti has been linked with Juve for many years and the potential of a future move is still very much present.

“It certainly fills me with pride to be compared to Pirlo, so I am honoured,” Verratti told Fox Sports Italia.

“I definitely still need to improve a great deal. Would I play alongside Pirlo at Juventus? If it were up to me then I’d certainly like it. It would be splendid to be his teammate.”

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Verratti’s agent Donato Di Campli also spoke to Sky Sport Italia and revealed this scenario was much closer than anyone had expected.

“It’s no secret that Marco is a Juventus supporter. Juventus and the player had agreed terms, but the Bianconeri couldn’t agree with Pescara because a player as part of the exchange had refused to join the Biancazzurri.

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo: I’ll stay at Juve

Jan 28, 2014

Andrea Pirlo has mused on the value of his Player of the Year award and commented of his intention to stay at Juventus.

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The 34-year-old was named best playmaker and then Player of the Year at Monday night’s Gran Gala del Calcio, in recognition of efforts in 2012-13.

“This award is important, it is even better because I was nominated by my colleagues, which is the best reward for a footballer,” Pirlo reflected in receiving the latter award for a second consecutive year.

“How important is that? I think it is the most beautiful thing, they do the same job as me, they see what you do on the field and so I am even more proud to receive this award.”

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Speculation is that Pirlo is on the verge of agreeing a new two-year contract to commit to Juventus.

“Will I stay at Juve? Yes, yes.”

[Socrates 8524]

Juve to announce Pirlo extension?

Feb 5, 2014

An announcement will be made in the next few days that will confirm Andrea Pirlo’s stay at Juventus until 2016, it is reported.

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With his contract at the Bianconeri to end in the summer, there had been fears that the veteran midfielder would leave the club on a free at the end of the season.

Tottenham and Inter had both been linked with moves for the World Cup-winner, however, Corriere dello Sport claim this morning that the Turin outfit will reveal, before the end of the week, that the 35-year-old will stay until 2016.

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Even in the autumn of his career, Juve have had no qualms about offering Pirlo and extension that will see him stick with the club until his 37th birthday.

[Socrates 8524]

VIDEO: Pirlo, Lichtsteiner’s assist man

Feb 7, 2014

Andrea Pirlo and Stephan Lichtsteiner’s understanding on the pitch is seemingly down to a similar relationship away from it.

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Pirlo provided the assist for Lichtsteiner to head Juventus into the lead during last weekend’s Derby d’Italia.

With it not the first such pass from playmaker to full-back during their time together in Turin, Juve have today released the below video, to perhaps explain the origin of their on-pitch relationship.

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[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo backs Gerrard to thrive in deeper role

Liverpool have used the 33-year-old midfielder in a withdrawn role this season,
and the Juventus playmaker has backed his English counterpart to make a successful transition.

Feb 23, 2014

EXCLUSIVE
By Thomas Unsworth

Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has backed Steven Gerrard to adapt his game and play on at the top level until his late 30s.

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Pirlo, who will be 35 in May, has helped Juventus to two consecutive Serie A titles since moving to Turin on a free transfer in 2011 from AC Milan, and was a key member of the Italy squad that got to the Euro 2012 final.

Gerrard, 33, has been used in a deeper role by Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers this season, with more of a focus on dictating the play with passes from the base of midfield as opposed to a more advanced positioning.

And Pirlo, who has tailored his game since leaving Milan, believes intelligent players like the England international have the wherewithal to prolong their careers.

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"As a player you get to the stage where you realise that you are not 25 any more - and can't play the way you used to," Pirlo told Goal.

"The intelligent players adapt - and Steven Gerrard has the ability to do that. He is an excellent passer of the ball, possesses an intelligent football brain, and has great vision. He might not be able to run around for 90 minutes any more, but he has all the qualities to play a deeper role."

Gerrard missed the end of last season with a shoulder injury but his fitness and conditioning have been carefully managed by Liverpool in recent years, and Pirlo believes that will be vital in his remaining years as a professional.

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"Top European clubs are always progressing with what they can do off the field," he added. "Training is getting more scientific, and we are constantly getting more educated on nutrition.

"If you look after yourself and are willing to adapt - there is no reason why you can't play at the top level until your late 30s.

"Gerrard is a top professional, it is very possible he has many top years left for Liverpool and England in a new role."

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo commits to Juve, not Italy

Feb 23, 2014

Andrea Pirlo is planning a Juventus renewal, shrugging off Real Madrid and Milan, but will quit Italy after the World Cup.

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The midfielder will be in action today at 17.30 GMT in the Derby della Mole, click here for a match preview.

“Torino are a well-organised side who play good football and score many goals with Ciro Immobile and Alessio Cerci,” Pirlo told La Stampa newspaper.

“They have already secured safety, unlike previous seasons when they’d play us with a sense of fear. Now they know a victory over Juve would add something extra to the campaign, whereas for us it would be a slip-up in the Scudetto race.

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“We are aware the title depends only on us, because we have an advantage, but Roma play well and it’ll be a fight to the end. Therefore, we cannot drop points along the way.”

Pirlo was a free agent at the end of 10 years at Milan when he joined Juventus, but his contract is due to expire in June.

There have been many reports of a potential switch this summer to reunite with Ancelotti at Real Madrid or even a return to the Rossoneri under old teammate Clarence Seedorf.

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“I just want to be a protagonist, as long as I feel up to it, which I hope is as long as possible. I’ve talked to Juve and we’ll meet up to define the details, but there are so many games at the moment, so it’s better to focus on them.

“There are all the conditions needed for me to stay: Juve are growing and we can achieve great objectives. President Andrea Agnelli always left the door open for anything I needed, from day one, so I thank him.

“Real Madrid? I never spoke to them. As always, I talk to Ancelotti, but not about football or transfers. Silvio Berlusconi also called me, but I won’t return to Milan.”

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Pirlo wants to continue at club level, but will hang up his Italy jersey after the 2014 World Cup.

“I will be 35 years old, so it’s only right to let others grow into their roles. Of course, if I am needed, then it’s not a problem. As soon as I realise that I am no longer able to do certain things, I’ll be the first to step aside. I don’t want anyone simply putting up with me.”

There was controversy last week between Antonio Conte and Fabio Capello, so how did Pirlo view the two Juve outfits?

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“Capello’s Juve were very successful. Perhaps not the most spectacular team, but they were ruthless, like all Capello’s sides. They know what they want and in the end they get it.

“Conte’s Juventus are different, based on the collective and well-organised, achieving great results with good football. We enjoy our football on the pitch.”

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo dismisses Real Madrid links

The influential midfielder has ruled out the possibility of returning
to AC Milan, while he has no intention to joining the Spanish giants either.

Feb 24, 2014

Andrea Pirlo has insisted that he has not been in touch with Real Madrid over a summer transfer and is keen to extend his stay with Juventus.

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The Italy international's current contract with the Serie A champions is due to expire at the end of the season and Madrid are allegedly closely monitoring Pirlo's situation at the Old Lady.

Nevertheless, Pirlo is focused on his current club and is hopeful of agreeing terms over a new deal sooner rather than later.

"Real Madrid? I've never spoken to them. I talk with Carlo Ancelotti, but we talk about other things. I feel good here at Juventus," Pirlo told La Stampa.

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"Juventus and I have spoken and we will meet again to discuss everything.

"We have a lot of matches to play and we must focus on them, but there are a lot of reasons to stay at Juventus. They are growing and it is possible to achieve your targets here."

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The 34-year-old then briefly discussed the possibility of returning to AC Milan but was quick to stress that he has no intention of re-joining the San Siro side.

"Would I go back to Milan? No, not now. I did what I had to do there. I'm happy to be at Juve. I think that players don't have to go back to where they once did good things. I hope to remain here."

[Socrates 8524]

Pirlo: Gerrard is a great pro

Feb 26, 2014

Andrea Pirlo has praised Liverpool and England midfielder Steven Gerrard, as they prepare to face each other at the World Cup.

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Italy will play the Three Lions in their first group game in Manaus on June 14. And the Juventus playmaker has moved to commend his opposite number, with less than four months until kick off.

“Smart players can fit in any formation and have the ability to fill many roles,” he told reporters.

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“Gerrard is an excellent playmaker who reads the game very well and has great vision.

“Steven’s a great professional. I think it’s possible that he will continue for several years at Liverpool and with England – perhaps in a slightly different role.”

[kuypera 0]

Andrea Pirlo a lenda Juventus.

Andrea Pirlo é um muito bonito e muito talentoso Juventus.

Agradeço a ele.

[Socrates 8524]

Welcome kuypera and thank you for the pictures. I hope you will like our forum.