Former Manchester United midfielder Park Ji-sung has hailed the legendary Andrea Pirlo, who will retire at the end of this season, to be among the “best in the world”.
The iconic Italian midfielder will hang up his boots at the end of his contract with MLS club New York City FC this December, and the former Red Devils player has described how Pirlo was one of the finest of his generation.
After Pirlo’s illustrious spells at the likes of AC Milan and Juventus where he won a combined six Serie A titles two Coppa Italias, two Champions League trophies as well as a World Cup, Park has stated how he believes the former Italian international is fully deserving of his honours.
He himself was witness to the 38-year-old’s genius during the two-legged Champions League last-16 match between Manchester United and AC Milan in 2010 where the Red Devils ran out 7-2 aggregate winners.
The former United midfielder told Goal: “He was not a big player physically, but his ability in passing, taking free-kicks, shooting from distance, play-making was the best in the world at that time.
“I believe he was a great player who could dictate the game. He was the biggest threat to any team who played against his team.”
Pirlo has quelled any discussion of a potential move into a coaching career as he has stated that he will not immediately take up management – saying he needs a “rest” once he retires. He had been linked to take up a coaching role alongside Antonio Conte at Chelsea, who had managed him at both Juventus and in the Italian national team.
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