ANDREA PIRLO has taken to Twitter to officially announce his retirement from football, thanking New York City FC for his final adventure.
The 38-year-old came on as a 90th minute substitute in the MLS playoffs against Colombus Crew, but couldn't inspire his side to advance through to the Conference Finals.
Injuries have limited Pirlo's game time this season, as the 2006 World Cup winner was restricted to just 16 appearances.
Speaking on social media, he said: "Last match in MLS. As my time in NYFC comes to an end I would like to say few words.
"I want to thank everybody for the kindness and support they have shown me in this incredible city.
"Thank you to the amazing supporters, thank you to the coaching staff and everybody that work behind the scene, thank you to my teammates. "Not only my adventure in NY comes to an end but my journey as a football player as well, that is why I would like to take the opportunity to thank my family and my children for the support and love they always give me.
"Every team that I had the had the honor (sic) to play for, every teammate I have been pleased to play alongside, all the people that made my career such incredible. "And last but not least, all the fans around the world that always showed me support.
"You will always be on my side and in my heart." Gary Lineker was quick to praise the former Juventus, AC Milan and Inter ace.
He tweeted: "Andrea Pirlo has announced his retirement from football. One of the great midfielders of his generation. A beautiful footballer."
An illustrious career yielded six Serie A championships, two Champions League titles, two Coppa Italia's and two UEFA Super Cup triumphs.
He was capped 116 times by the Italian national side, guiding them to World Cup glory in Germany in 2006, where he was named as Man of the Match in the final against France - the third time he was named as the star player that tournament.
From The Sun
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