Pirlo leaves Juve for MLS

Juventus captain Gianluigi Buffon has bid an emotional farewell to Andrea Pirlo after the midfielder joined New York City yesterday.

The Italy worldwide spent four years with Juve in Serie A, and will link up in midfield with new team-mate Frank Lampard in Major League Soccer from July 21.

The 36-year-old Pirlo, who also won the World Cup with Italy in 2006, helped Juventus reach the Champions League final last season.

Never the happiest-looking of characters with his long, droopy face, Pirlo now sports a beard that gives him a striking resemblance to action-film actor Chuck Norris in his younger days.

Pirlo will become the fourth and fans will be excited to see the Italian line-up alongside Lampard in the middle of the park.

Pirlo is expected to join the team July 21.

Pirlo has won the Italian league six times, including in each of the past five seasons, as well as the Champions League twice.

But now it’s off to the United States for Mr. Pirlo, where he joins a handful of ex- European stars, including ex- Milan teammate and current Orlando City South Carolina midfielder Kaka.

So thanks maestro and good luck, we will follow you even across the ocean.’.

Despite his age – he’s 36, and made his debut for Brescia 20 years ago in May 1995 – Pirlo’s transfer represents a coup for New York City.

“It can be hard to express emotions in words, particularly when it involves four so important years of my life”, he said.

During global play with the Italian side, Pirlo has recorded 113 caps, in which the free-kick specialist has totaled 13 goals.

From my heart, thanks to all of you.

“It wasn’t easy to decide, but the time has come to begin a new adventure”. The difference between the two, though, is that Franz Beckenbauer and Giorgio Chinaglia were arguably in their prime as players, unlike Pirlo and Lampard. “That does not make me forget the relationship I have with the club”.