Peerless Pirlo calls time on his playing career

Legendary midfielder Andrea Pirlo has announced that he will retire from football at the end of the season.

The former Italy, Juventus and AC Milan star, who currently plays for New York City FC, will call time at the end of the MLS season. 

During his time at the very pinnacle of the game, Pirlo won six Serie As, two Champions Leagues, two Coppa Italias, the Club World Cup and the 2006 World Cup, as well as a runners-up medal at the 2012 European Championship.

Speaking to La Gazzetta dello Sport, Pirlo said: "You realise that the time has come. Every day you have physical problems, you cannot train as you want because you always have some problem.

"At my age, that's enough. It's not that you can go on forever until the age of 50. I'll do something else.

"At 38, it's just right to give young players room. I'm not angry. Instead, I will give a hand to team-mates and to the coach."

The rumour mill has already linked Pirlo with a coaching role at Chelsea under fellow Italian Antonio Conte, but Pirlo remained tight-lipped over exactly what his next move will be, saying: "I'll do something else, I'll be back in Italy in December.

"Work with Conte? They say things, I have some ideas, but give me time to decide."

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Image: Getty/Julian Finney.

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