Pirlo frustrated by Milan exit rumours: 'I never wanted to leave'

Andrea Pirlo has spoken out to set the record straight on one of the most debated exits in recent Serie A history—his departure from AC Milan in 2011.

The World Cup-winning midfielder insists that leaving the Rossoneri was not his choice and revealed that the decision came from then-coach Massimiliano Allegri and club director Adriano Galliani.

'I never wanted to leave Milan'

“There are still a lot of people who believe I wanted to leave, and it really irritates me because it’s just not true,” Pirlo told Italian media.

“I wanted to stay at AC Milan, but the conditions for that simply didn’t exist. That’s why we went our separate ways. Saying goodbye to my teammates was one of the most painful and saddest moments of my life.”

A Milan legend pushed out the door

Pirlo spent a decade at Milan, joining from city rivals Inter in 2001 for €17 million. Over the next ten years, he became one of the club’s most iconic midfielders, making 401 appearances, scoring 41 goals, and assisting 71 times.

During his time at the San Siro, he won two Champions League titles, two Serie A titles, and nine major trophies in total. Despite being a fan favourite and a key figure in Milan's golden generation, the club chose not to renew his contract in 2011.

A new chapter at Juventus and beyond

After leaving Milan, Pirlo joined Juventus on a free transfer and helped usher in a new era of dominance in Turin, winning four consecutive Serie A titles. He finished his playing career in Major League Soccer with New York City FC, retiring in January 2018.

“My years at Milan were probably the best of my entire career. That’s where I grew up, that’s where I became a man. Many of the players I shared the dressing room with are now close friends—we still go on holidays together,” said Pirlo, now 45.

Pirlo also played a pivotal role in Italy’s 2006 World Cup victory, earning 116 caps and scoring 13 goals for the national team.