Italy international midfielder Andrea Pirlo intends to continue his career at the Juventus Stadium, insisting he plans to stay in Turin for ‘a few more years.’
Pirlo, 34, joined Juventus via free transfer from Italian rivals AC Milan in the summer of 2011 and has lead the Bianconeri to three straight Serie A titles.
Recent reports have suggested the 34-year-old, whose current contract is due to expire at the end of the season, will be offered a new deal by Juventus and the player has confirmed his desire to stay at the club.
“I am training every day as well as any other player,” Pirlo said. “I need that.
“My motivation to go on is very strong, simply because I love playing football and having fun on the pitch.
“I have always had fun every day on the training field and every weekend during the matches. I believe that is important. I don’t feel any tiredness or weakness.
“I am happy at Juventus and I hope to be able to stay for a few more years.”
Pirlo, who will turn 35 ahead of this summer’s World Cup finals in Brazil, has spent his entire club career in Italy.
When asked whether he regrets not taking his talents aboard, Pirlo added: “Yes, indeed. I would have liked to try.
“I have had regular opportunities in the past but each time I chose to stay in Italy.
“But we will see what happens in the future. Why not?”
Pirlo has tallied seven goals and eight assists in 47 appearances in all competitions for Juventus this season.
Crystal Palace to open contract talks with Yannick Bolasie
The agent of Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie, John Sorzano, has confirmed the club will open contract talks with the player at the end of the season.
Bolasie, 24, turned in an impressive display against Liverpool on Monday, much to the delight of Manchester City, who are now in pole position to win the English Premier League title.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo international, who was linked with a shock move to Fiorentina in January, is contracted to Selhurst Park until 30 June 2015.
“There is not much to say at the moment, we are due to talk to the club again at the end of the season,” Sorzano told Sky Sports.
Bolasie added: “There’s been a lot of speculation recently regarding my future but I am just letting my agent deal with contract talks.
“I have been trying to concentrate on what’s happening on the pitch so I haven’t really had time to talk about signing a contract extension.
“You lose concentration when you enter negotiations about a new deal so I have left it all to my agent. I feel like I’ve been on a good run of form so I didn’t want contract talks to have a negative impact on my performances.
“The most important thing to say is I want to stay at Crystal Palace beyond my current deal which runs out next summer.
“I feel at home here so why would I want to go anywhere else? My aim for next season is to finally score a Premier League goal at Selhurst Park!”
Although oftentimes lacking the quality to deliver the final key pass, Bolasie has turned in a number of eye-catching performances for the Eagles this term, tallying four assists in 22 league appearances.
His deficiencies in crossing and passing are sometimes — albeit not always — outweighed by his defensive work-rate and dribbling ability. For these reasons, he is valued at around €3 million.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
