New York City FC is adding another European football legend to its roster. Multiple sources are reporting that central midfielder Andrea Pirlo of Italian club Juventus is very close to completing a move to the United States and the newly formed MLS outfit.
The 36 year old Pirlo was recently photographed attending a New York Yankees game where he met with NYCFC CEO Ferran Soriano in his luxury box. The Yankees are one of NYCFC's chief backers together with English parent club Manchester City. No official statement or contract details have been released from either party, but many outlets are reporting that the transfer is essentially a done deal.
Pirlo will take up the third designated roster spot on NYCFC's roster. The other two spots are occupied by fellow superstars like former Chelsea FC great Frank Lampard and FC Barcelona marksman David Villa.
It will be the first time Pirlo has played outside of his native Italy. He has spent the majority of his playing career in the Italian top flight, starring for the country's biggest clubs like Internazionale, AC Milan, and his current side Juventus.
Known for his visionary playmaking ability, silky smooth passing, and masterful free kick skills, Pirlo is one of the most decorated active footballers today. His trophy cabinet includes six Serie A, two Coppa Italia, and two UEFA Champions League medals. His international career has seen him make 115 caps for the Italian national side. He was a key member of the 2006 World Cup winning team. This season Pirlo narrowly missed out on a historic treble, after his Juventus side secured the Serie A and Coppa Italia crowns, but fell short against FC Barcelona in the Champions League final.
