<
>

Andrea Pirlo 'not interested' in coming out of retirement amid Avondale FC interest

Andrea Pirlo's management team have told ESPN FC the former Italy midfielder would not be interested in coming out of retirement.

It was reported that Australian club Avondale FC were interested in a deal which would see Pirlo join in time for the FFA Cup quarterfinal against Sydney FC on Sept 19.

And Avondale -- a semi-professional side based in Melbourne who compete in the second tier National Premier League Victoria, finishing third in 2018 -- confirmed to ESPN FC that they had contacted the player, and said they are "waiting to hear from Pirlo's management."

However, having recently finished his coaching badges, Pirlo is not looking to return to the pitch. The 2006 World Cup winner retired in 2017 after spending two years in Major League Soccer with New York City FC.

Pirlo, 39, started his career at Brescia before joining Inter Milan in 1998. Following two loan spells, he moved to city rivals AC Milan, where he stayed for a decade, winning nine major trophies -- including two Champions League titles.

In 2011, he joined Juventus on a free transfer and produced arguably the best football of his career as he won four league titles on the bounce and was named Serie A Player of the Year in three consecutive seasons.

He left for MLS in 2015, where he spent two seasons at NYCFC.