Pirlo joins Juventus on three-year deal
Reuters - Tuesday 24 May 2011, 17:59
MILAN - AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo
signed a three-year deal with rivals Juventus on Tuesday having
mutually decided to leave the new Serie A champions after 10
years.
Pirlo, 32, struggled with injuries and form for Milan last
season and will become a rare example of a player who has turned
out for both of Italy's two most successful teams.
Juve said in a statement he had signed until June 30, 2104
having undergone a medical.
The Italy midfielder's arrival at Juve could signal a
complication in the Turin side's bid to tie up a permanant deal
for on-loan Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who plays in
a very similar position.
Juve could only finish seventh for the second straight year
this term after a series of transfer flops as they battle to
regain their former glory following a 2006 match-fixing
demotion.
They are still without a coach with media saying Siena boss
and former Juve midfielder Antonio Conte will take over from the
sacked Luigi Delneri.
Pirlo's struggles this term meant he was no longer a
first-team regular under Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri with
his lack of mobility and a habit of staying around the centre
circle pinging long passes failing to enthuse the boss.