Midfielder Pirlo retired at the end of 2017

The veteran Italian midfielder will hang up his boots when his contract with New York City expires.

Andrea Pirlo is in the final year of his three-year contract with New York City. The 2006 World Cup winner made just 15 appearances in 32 games this season and has decided to retire from coaching.

"I realised the time had come to say goodbye," the former AC Milan and Juventus player told Gazzetta dello Sport. "Every day I felt my fitness decline. I couldn't train as I wanted because of my age. You know, no one plays football until they're 50."

Pirlo retires from football career at age 38

Pirlo, born in 1979, grew up in the Brescia training academy. He joined Inter at the age of 19, but was not recognized. It was not until the summer of 2001, after moving to AC Milan, that this midfielder's career reached its peak.

Pirlo's biggest career milestone came when coach Carlo Ancelotti moved him back into the midfield, playing as a deep-lying playmaker. He helped Milan win two Champions Leagues and two Scudetti in 10 years. In the summer of 2011, the talented midfielder joined Juventus, helping the "Old Lady" win Serie A four consecutive seasons.

"At 38, it's best to give the opportunity to the younger players," the New York City midfielder confided. "I plan to return to Italy in December, after my contract with New York City expires."

Pirlo rose to prominence at the 2000 European Under-21 Championships, helping Italy win the tournament and also winning a double of individual awards: Top Scorer and Best Player of the Tournament. However, he has never won the Ballon d'Or. Pirlo's best result in this prestigious vote was finishing fifth in 2007, behind Kaka, Ronaldo, Messi and Drogba.

The Italian midfielder is one of the few famous players to have played for all three of Italy's most traditional clubs: Milan, Inter and Juventus.

According to VNE