He’ll be remembered as one of the finest midfielders to ever grace the game but for now Andrea Pirlo will have to acclimatise to the retired life.
The 38-year-old assembled quite the trophy cabinet during spells with AC Milan and Juventus, winning six Serie A titles, two UEFA Super Cups, the FIFA Club World Cup, two Champions League trophies, and many more domestic cups.
Further, he earned 118 caps for Italy and won the World Cup in 2006, although he was never quite able to add the European Championship to his collection having come so close in 2012 with the Azzurri losing to Spain in the final.
Nevertheless, that’s a very small blip on a glittering career as he undoubtedly established himself as a hero for supporters, while his peers and pundits alike showered him with praise for his classy style of play in midfield with his vision, passing range and an effortless way of covering ground all making him stand out as an elite performer.
Having confirmed his retirement with the note below on Twitter, the tributes poured in from around the world for Pirlo, but amongst all the support from the fans, it was many of his old clubs, teammates and friends that shared their memories and congratulations with him on what was a memorable career.
Often affectionately referred to as the ‘maestro’, it’ll be tough to find another like him.
— Andrea Pirlo (@Pirlo_official) November 6, 2017
Andrea Pirlo announces his retirement from football.
The nicknames say it all…
Architect
Metronome
Professor
Maestro
Mozart pic.twitter.com/EPlNZn1X9t— UEFA EURO (@UEFAEURO) November 6, 2017
10 ?? seasons
2 ? #UCL
2 ? #UEFASuperCup
1 ? FIFA Club World Cup
2 ?? Scudetto
1 ?? Super Cup
1 ?? Cup
All the best @Pirlo_official! pic.twitter.com/QH8Pg2hCyS— AC Milan (@acmilan) November 6, 2017
Classy, elegant and forever a #WorldCup winner ??
Your talent on the field will be sorely missed, @Pirlo_official ??
Happy retirement! pic.twitter.com/6s0jmGJ2W3
— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 6, 2017
.@OfficialVieira: @Pirlo_official Changed Football Forever #GrazieMaestro #NYCFC
READ ?? https://t.co/s91m7iJDNw pic.twitter.com/Ikbt7TErg7
— New York City FC (@NYCFC) November 6, 2017
Chi ha giocato con Andrea ha compreso il significato della parola “unico”. Campione che ha alternato classe, eleganza e umiltà #Pirlo pic.twitter.com/PXNRbISuk0
— Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon) November 6, 2017
A true genius of the Beautiful Game played his final match yesterday.
It’s been an honor to share the journey with you. Grazie, Maestro. pic.twitter.com/lcjIsey9BK
— JuventusFC (@juventusfcen) November 6, 2017
Andrea:”Senti Fabio ma se Grosso fa gol, siamo campioni del mondo? Fabio:”Eh, sì” ??????? E’ stato un onore aver giocato e vinto con te! pic.twitter.com/DIm10tvbBY
— Fabio Cannavaro (@fabiocannavaro) November 6, 2017
Andrea Pirlo retires from football 22 years, 5 months & 16 days after his 1st professional game.
We'll sure miss goals like these ? pic.twitter.com/4CaaUSgScN
— BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) November 6, 2017
A legend bows out.
Andrea Pirlo has confirmed his retirement from football: https://t.co/g1BE6b3typ pic.twitter.com/yHOjIpLeJw
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) November 6, 2017
????| A star takes his leave. The quiet revolutionary Andrea #Pirlo has played his last game.
? https://t.co/r4RqeNA0ut#GrazieMaestro pic.twitter.com/iVc45AVfk7— Italy (@azzurri) November 6, 2017