Italy icon Andrea Pirlo, who spent the formative years of his glittering career in the Rossoneri colors, has revealed how close he was to leaving Milan for record European champions Real Madrid.
In an exclusive interview with Four Four Two (via MilanNews), the midfield maestro reminisced the affair that almost took shape after the scandalous Calciopoli period.
“I was very close to Real Madrid, but then we were told that Milan could be readmitted to Serie A and access the Champions League. I was immediately offered a new contract and the club did a lot to keep me.”
Real Madrid brewed up interest in the Azzurri talent during and after the 2006 FIFA World Cup, where he played an instrumental part in leading the Italians to their fourth world title.
Pirlo ended his Milan career in 2010/11 after leading the club to the Scudetto title, before moving on as a free agent to Juventus, where he shone once more – winning four Serie A titles in a row.
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