One of the most decorated and respected midfielders in soccer, Pirlo will become the team’s third Designated Player and arrives to New York City FC on a free transfer from Juventus, 2015 UEFA Champions League Finalists.
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The Juventus and Italy star, 36, will take his distinctive brand of elegance and élan to the MLS newcomers, after the Italian champions confirmed Pirlo was moving on after four seasons with the club.
Revealing that he has had several opportunities to leave Serie A, he has no doubt that he has picked the right club in New York, partly due to the “enthusiasm of the supporters”, despite it being a relatively new club.
Following in the footsteps of David Villa and Frank Lampard, the franchise announced the signing of Italian World Cup victor Andrea Pirlo on Monday.
Pirlo will join the club on July 21 according to the team website, in time for him to make his debut five days later at home against fellow first-year club Orlando City.
News of Marchisio’s re-signing comes on the same day Andrea Pirlo officially completed his move to NYCFC. He not only experienced a great deal of success while playing for his country during his 115 caps – the fourth-most among all players of the national team – and was instrumental in helping Italy lift the World Cup title in 2006, but he was also a highly decorated player on the club level.
Marchisio spoke during a press conference following the announcement of his renewal about how happy he is to continue his journey at Juventus and commented on everything that he’s picked up from Pirlo over the years.
“Thanks for everything, Maestro”, the story’s headlined.
“I can only say an enormous thank you to those that have accompanied and supported me on this journey”.
“It wasn’t easy to decide, but the time has come to begin a new adventure. I am hoping to win”.
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His last competitive game for the Old Lady was the 2015 Champions League final in Berlin’s Olympiastadion, which they lost 3-1 to Barcelona.
