“After the wheel, the best invention is the PlayStation.” Ladies and gentlemen, meet Andrea Pirlo; poet, philosophical connoisseur, but most importantly, a great footballer.
A human representation of fine wine, Pirlo is that exceptional class of footballer that seems to excel with age. On Tuesday, June 24th, after bowing out of the World Cup, the elegant footballer announced his retirement from international football.
Having reached consummate heights on the pitch since joining Juve, a move he made at the ‘tender’ age of 32, Andrea is regarded as one of the finest players to ever grace the Serie A. Prior to 2011, the year that saw the Bianconeri acquire the Italian talisman, they hadn’t managed a Scudetto in almost a decade (well according to the record books anyway). Let’s just say, since then, the signing of Pirlo and Juventus winning three consecutive Scuddetos is no coincidence.
A man who never hides his feelings, Pirlo famously stated in his autobiography: “I Think Therefore I Play,”; “Take someone like (Italian striker) Antonio Cassano. He says he’s slept with 700 women but he doesn’t get picked for Italy any more. Can he really be happy?” The condemnation is dated, as Cassano is back in the fold, having been selected for Brazil after two years away from the team. Nevertheless, one would assume that this declaration from Andrea Pirlo made for interesting dressing room conversation at this year’s World Cup. The book’s title is adapted from the French philosopher Descartes, yet the text is 100%, unadulterated Pirlo.
Briefly touching on the connoisseur aspect once more, Pirlo’s tale is that of a metal trader’s son whose skill with a football provided him with the finances to purchase a vineyard in Brescia and bottle his own wine.
With his flowing hair, every strand faultless, Pirlo has embraced the deep-lying midfield playmaker role like no other, this is home; undoubtedly, this is where he reigns supreme.
It is no surprise that Italians embrace his genius like no other. Three years ago when Milan discarded him impulsively, opting instead for the likes of Kevin-Prince Boateng, many AC Milan fans voiced their concerns. As many are aware, Milan came to truly regret the impetuous sale, because at Juventus, Pirlo has produced the sexiest football of his career. Affectionately referred to as l’architetto by his teammates, the modern day Mozart possesses a technical an impressive technical armoury. While speed and mobility have never been his strong points, Pirlo passes a ball like a gifted artist paints a portrait, he simply caresses and guides, he becomes one with the ball. Having spent a career learning how to defend astutely without having to exert himself through quick sprints, Juve manager Antonio Conte appreciates that Pirlo is a rare breed of footballer, most definitely a dying breed.
From his appearance and demeanour you might not think it, but Andrea Pirlo’s rise to prominence has not come without obstacles. In 2000, even after captaining the Italian under-21 side to a European Championship, he struggled to make an impression at Inter Milan. Instead, the club opted to loan him out to Reggina, then to his hometown club, Brescia. It was here that the Pirlo insurrection materialized, even though he was up against Roberto Baggio, the legendary Italian striker, for a starting position.
An innovator of sorts, Brescia coach Carlo Mazzone had an answer to ease Pirlo’s concerns. Instead of playing in the No. 10 role, Baggio’s position, Pirlo took the No. 5 jersey and operated from a deep lying midfield position. The move worked beautifully, a tactical piece of brilliance that changed the fate of Pirlo.
An eloquent soul, “Swearing’s my release. It’s the one weapon I have to defend myself against destiny when it elects to strike without pity,” Pirlo is as passionate as he is brilliant. Rather like Paul Scholes, the ex Manchester United magician, Pirlo is a player that has shown that neither speed or tackling ability is required to be an excellent central midfielder. Instead, the Italian has proven that you can be an architect, a ballplayer, a stunning footballer, without the need to master the ‘less attractive’ side of the game.
Where would Andrea Pirlo be without the tactical adjustment at Brescia? Possibly modelling, possibly homeless, who really knows? But Pirlo appears to be a man who was always destined for brilliance. Younger players and coaches should observe him, respect him, and learn from him.
Is he this generation’s best footballer? No, but he is one of the classiest. For Italy, in a split second, Pirlo can formulate an immaculate, penetrating pass and place the ball on the formidable chest of Mario Balotelli. His passing ability seems to be guided by a subliminal GPS, a fact that makes the conductor’s sonata as satisfying as ever.
Pirlo is both accomplished and dependable, and even at 35, the maestro still has that outstanding touch, vision, and supreme passing aptitude, all aspects that speak volumes for his predator like prowess.
And so, to conclude, a truly great player, football lovers around the world hope and pray that Pirlo’s international retirement will only serve to benefit his club performances. It is sad to think that the Italian is one of the few truly artistic central midfielders left in the game, and that is why he is more important than ever.
Feel Free to leave your thoughts below. You can follow us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and like our Facebook Page.
Discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands of fans at r/football.
For the latest in sports injury news, check out our friends at Sports injury Alert.
