Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo has revealed that he will be leaving the Italian national team after this summer’s World Cup in Brazil.
The 35-year-old, who just renewed his contract with the Bianconeri until June 2016, has played a major part in the Azzurri senior team for over a decade, even helping his country win the 2006 World Cup in Germany, but he admits that the time has come for him to give other players a chance to prove themselves.
Pirlo spoke during a press conference at Casa Azzurri on Wednesday about Italy’s main competition and their chances of succeeding in Brazil, while also commenting on his role in the Azzurri line up and the talent possessed by national team team-mate Marco Verratti.
“Juventus renewal? I am very pleased,” said the former AC Milan man. “The president and the club have given me a great opportunity, hopefully in these next two years we can repeat our previous successes.
“My meeting with Juninho Pernambucano? It was very nice because I had mentioned him in my book and he had come to meet me.
“I was very pleased and he was excited, he gave me a Brazil jersey with my name on it along with two Vasco de Gama jerseys.
“My new role? We have tried this new provision, a midfielder who is more defensive and two directing players that are free two create chances.
“We love it and it can give great results. My role isn’t just the one I had when I was younger, it’s different, it’s a rotation of the central midfielders, but with more motion in order to create spaces.
“England? We know that they’re a great team that have improved a lot, with new young players. It will be a great match. We know how to deal with them.
“Matches between Italy and England have always proven to be great, so we’ll be looking to play the same way.
“My coexistence with Verratti? There are no problems with him. Those who know how to play football can play with anyone.
“He’s a great player, he has international experience and a great personality. Compared to my game, he probably plays a little deeper, but he has all of the potential to become one of the greats.
“Will he be my heir? He will become one of the strongest in Europe.
“Spain? Spain, along with Brazil, are one of the favourites. They have every chance at repeating the result from the last World Cup, but we know that every now and then this tournament can bring about some surprises.
“Italy depends on me? Italy depends on the whole team and we’ll need everyone in order to get to the final. Ten minutes from each player is not enough to make it to the end. There is no need for just one player, but for all.
“Italy’s objective? Of course we want to win. Chances must be taken in football if you want to make it to the end. I won’t be satisfied to only pass the group stage or make it to the quarter finals.
“We have a competitive team that can go all the way and will fight to achieve this goal.
“Playing in Manaus? It will be very hot, but the way it is for us will be the same for England. The important thing is to prepare ourselves well. Also, the grafting of a time-out could be important.
“My responsibilities? We have what it takes to go far. It’s important to believe and work hard, and then we will get results.
“Colombia? We know that they have done great in the qualifiers and they’re team is composed of great players that play in Italy and the rest of Europe. What’s important for us, though, is to only look at these first three games for now.
“Past interest from Tottenham Hotspur? I don’t know if Italian football is better than English football, but it was my choice to continue with Juventus, which is a place where I’m comfortable and where I can win.
“[Carlos] Tevez not being selected for Argentina’s World Cup team? If I were the coach, I would have called him up after this last season in the Italian league with Juventus.
“The match against England at the Euro 2012? The European championship is one thing, but this is the World Cup now and the matches are all so different.
“My reception at the Maracana last year during the Confederations Cup? It was an exciting thing because it was the first time that I was in Brazil and to receive a standing ovation like that was such a great thing that has stayed with me.
“Italy’s problems? We are working to improve both defensively and in attack. We are analysing the mistakes that we’ve made and we’re trying not to make them again.
“Some were individual errors, so we have to have a greater concentration during the game.
“[Mario] Balotelli? He’s a striker, he lives for goals. However, now he hasn’t scored for a little. He must work with the team and then he will score.
“People’s scepticism? I think it’s because the last few friendlies haven’t gone well, but we are aware of our strengths, what we want to do and where we want to go.
“My future with the Azzurri? I’ve already told everyone that I’m leaving the national team after the World Cup because I’m getting to a certain age and it’s right to leave room for other players.
“The World Cup in Brazil? It’s the dream of every player and every child to play at the World Cup, especially in Brazil. It’s an event that doesn’t always happen, so we hope that this can be a World Cup to remember for a lifetime.”
