Italy: Andrea Pirlo announces retirement

Former Italy iconic midfielder Andrea Pirlo has announced his retirement from football at the age of 38 after having played his last match for Major League Soccer side New York City. The midfielder won 116 caps for Italy and helped them win the 2006 World Cup. He started his career at Brescia and then got to play for the biggest clubs in Italy, Inter, AC Milan and Juventus, before moving to the Major League Soccer two years ago. He was regarded as one of the most creative midfielders in the world and also one of the best set-piece takers. "Not only is it that my adventure in New York comes to an end but my journey as a football player as well," Pirlo said in a statement posted on his Twitter account. The midfielder also thanked "every team that I had the honour to play for" and "every team-mate that I have been pleased to play alongside". During his 22-year career Pirlo has won several trophies. With AC Milan Milan he won two Serie A titles, two Champions Leagues and a Club World Cup between 2003 and 2011. Then he moved to Juventus and led them to four consecutive Serie A titles. He was successful in the Major League Soccer as well, leading New York City to the play-offs in each of the past two seasons. The American club issued a statement following Pirlo's announcement: "Everyone at New York City FC would like to congratulate Andrea on an incredible career and to thank him for his excellent contribution to NYCFC over the past two and a half years." He has played 872 games in all competitions during his career, won 6 Serie A titles, 2 Coppa Italia, 2 Champions League trophies and the World Cup. Without Pirlo, Italy are 20/1 at Bet365 to win the 2018 World Cup in Russia.