New York City midfielder Andrea Pirlo has revealed how he still feels like he has a “thorn in his side” as he never got the chance to play for Real Madrid or Barcelona.
The 37-year-old is regarded as one of the finest midfield players of the last decade and despite his age, he proved this season that he still has what it takes after impressing in the MLS for New York City.
The playmaker – who was part of the AC Milan side that lost the 2005 Champions League final to Liverpool, but won the same fixture two years later – has enjoyed an illustrious career.
Starting with Italian outfit Brescia, Pirlo went on to play for the likes of Inter Milan, AC Milan and more recently Juventus, winning a total of six Serie A titles and two Champions Leagues.
However, after age caught up with him, Pirlo headed out to America to try out the MLS, where he seems set to end his career.
“How did I feel when he (Pep Guardiola) wanted to sign me (at Barcelona)? How could you not want to go there! We were facing the best team in the world and he told me he wanted me in the team,” Pirlo told Marca.
“He met me in his office after the game [a pre-season friendly], we spoke for a long time. We speak quite often now, because we have mutual friends in Brescia.
“Real Madrid? Any player would like to play for them. Fabio Capello was there and there were a lot of rumours circulating about Milan’s future with the Calciopoli scandal.
“Milan wouldn’t let me go, and they gave me a new contract.
“Was I disappointed? Well, it’s true that unfortunately they wouldn’t let me leave, but at the same time I spent 10 years at Milan, winning everything there was to win.
“I also played for all of the best teams in Italy [Inter, Juventus and Milan].
“Yes I still have a thorn in my side at not having played for Real Madrid or Barcelona, because playing there is a dream for every player, but I consider myself very satisfied to have played for the best teams in Italy.”
Pirlo has racked up nearly 750 career appearances and scored just under 75 goals, although the central midfielder was more renowned for his elegance than his craft in front of goal.
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