Andrea Pirlo has completed a move to New York City FC from Juventus, the Italian side have announced. At the time of writing, New York are still yet to confirm the deal themselves, but the Serie A club announcing it brings to an end weeks of speculation, with the deal always seeming likely.
Ferran Soriano has reportedly been keen on taking Pirlo to Major League Soccer for some time now, and the deal has seemed close to completed for some while, with the Italy international being pictured at Yankee Stadium and with Soriano and Frank Lampard. Now, the NYCFC CEO has got his wish, and has a superstar trio in Pirlo, Lampard and David Villa.
With NYCFC yet to announce the deal themselves, much still remains unclear with Juventus’ announcement paying tribute to their midfielder more than anything else. The veteran international is almost certain to become New York City’s third designated player – joining Villa and Lampard – which brings a certain status in itself.
It’s somewhat surprising that Pirlo will join so soon, after there were reports the 36-year-old could remain with Juventus until the New Year, keen to have a final few months in Italy. As it is, he bows out of his home country and makes the move across the Atlantic, ready to join up with his new team for the closing months of the 2015 MLS season.
