Moving on: Andrea Pirlo rejected claims that he is considering a role with Chelsea
Andrea Pirlo has rejected claims that he is considering a role with the Chelsea coaching staff when he retires from playing professional soccer.
Speaking at a DailyMail.com event for Heineken in New York City, the NYCFC midfielder insisted that he has no plans for a reunion with former boss Antonio Conte at Stamford Bridge.
When asked if he would take a job coaching with Chelsea, Pirlo laughed: ‘No I won’t. I need to rest.
‘I will go back to Italy, have a break and spend time with my family and friends. Take some time to think about what to do next.’
The Italy legend, who has played in New York for the past two years, went on to say that he enjoyed playing in the MLS but he found it a change to the soccer played in Europe. ‘It’s very different,’ he said. ‘It is not as fast as in Europe. But the technique is improving and I think we will see some good football in the future.’
Pirlo made his remarks at at Heineken’s event for the best soccer bars in New York. He was attending meet-and-greets at bars across the city, signing shirts and having his photo taken with fans.
Talented: With his tactical intelligence renowned throughout the soccer world, rumors were rife that Pirlo would take a role alongside Chelsea manager Conte
Fan favorite: Pirlo made his remarks at at Heineken’s event for the best soccer bars in New York, where was attending meet-and-greets at bars across the city
With his tactical intelligence renowned throughout the soccer world, rumors were rife that Pirlo would take a role alongside Chelsea manager Conte, who he played under at Juventus and for Italy.
The 38-year-old fueled this speculation by refusing to rule the move out.
He told Gazzetta dello Sport: ‘An assistant to Conte? People are saying that. I have my ideas but I need time to decide.’
Pirlo has won 24 team and individual honors during his illustrious 22-year career, including the World Cup, Champions League and six Serie A titles.
Stateside: The Italy legend has played in New York for the past two years and that he had enjoyed playing MLS but he found it very different to the soccer played in Europe
But the former AC Milan, Juventus and Italy midfielder will hang up his boots at the end of the current Major League Soccer campaign.
‘You realize by yourself that the moment has arrived. Every day you have physical problems. You can’t train how you would like because you always have an issue,’ he told Gazzetta dello Sport.
‘The younger players should play. At 38-years-old, it is right to give space to the younger boys.
World champions: Andrea Pirlo kisses the World Cup trophy following Italy’s victory in a penalty shootout in the 2006 Final match against France
‘I’m not angry. Instead, I’ll give a hand to the coach and the others. At my age, you have to say that’s enough. You can’t keep on going strong until you are 50. I will do something else.’
Last week, Conte also played down the chances of Andrea Pirlo joining the Chelsea coaching.
He said: ‘I knew he decided to retire and finish his career in December with New York.
‘I can talk about him in the best way but in this moment he doesn’t know his future, what he wants to do when he finishes his career.’