Pirlo defends Juve switch

Veteran midfielder Andrea Pirlo has defended his decision to join Juventus from Serie A champions Milan, saying he needs a new challenge.

Pirlo spent 10 years at the San Siro, enjoying a successful stay with Milan in which he won two Scudettos and two Champions League titles.

But at the end of the 2010/11 season the 32-year-old decided it was time to move on, knocking back a new contract with Milan to sign for Juventus.

“They were 10 fantastic years with Milan. I won everything that we could win, but after 10 years I felt I needed a new challenge and going to play for Juventus is definitely a fascinating challenge and obviously something I want to do well,” Pirlo said.

“I am happy with the choice I made and we’ll just have to see what happens on the pitch.”

“That will tell us if it was the right choice for me to change team, and if Milan did the right thing to let me go.”

Pirlo also said he would love to see Juventus beat Barcelona to the signature of Villarreal striker Giuseppe Rossi.

“Obviously it would be great to have Guiseppe Rossi at Juventus because he is a great player and he proved that in recent years,” he said.

“Any club would be happy to have him. Let’s hope he will get to play for a great team.”