It's one of modern day's great footballing questions why AC Milan president Silvio Berlusconi didn't make more of an effort to keep the genius that is Andrea Pirlo in 2012 - after all, they had spent so long tirelessly batting off the predatory advances of the vultures of Barcelona and Real Madrid in the past. While Fabio Cannavaro soaked up the acclaim for the nation's heroic World Cup victory eight years ago, the midfield architect should be accredited for some stellar performances throughout the tournament. He was even the first one up to take a spot-kick against France in the most pressuring penalty shoot-out of his life. With 112 caps to his name, he has been a stalwart for the Italian side, and a revered as a national icon. So, how on earth did Spurs think they had a chance? It was only this summer that the White Hart Lane outfit were linked with a sensational bid for the 35 yard old Juventus playmaker, with new Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino reportedly interested. Just before the commencement of the World Cup, however, Pirlo chose to quell any final hopes of Premier League audiences watching his talents on a weekly basis for a career swansong.
''I could have gone to Tottenham, but I chose to stay because I want to continue to win. And not only only the Scudetto. I'm happy to have renewed with them. I want to continue. 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.'' - Andrea Pirlo, June 2014.
Recent Journalism & New Media graduate. Insatiable thirst for all things football, and hopes to break into the field of sports journalism in the near future.
Have made a significantly insignificant playing career out of receiving several slaps around the head for not passing the ball.
