The archetypal deep-lying playmaker and dead-ball maestro Andrea Pirlo has confirmed that he is quitting football following the end of New York City's league campaign. "You know when the time has come," the 38-year-old said. "Every day you have physical problems and you can't train as you would like to. At my age, it's fine to say enough is enough." UEFA.com applauds him off the pitch.What they said"His heart beats at 35-beats-per-minute. He's as cool as a cucumber."Gianluca Vialli, former Italy forward "When Andrea told me that he was joining us, the first thing I thought was: 'There is a God.'"
Tag: brilliant
How brilliant is former England striker Wayne Rooney?
Back at Everton after 13 sensational years at Old Trafford, Wayne Rooney has confirmed that his international career is over, having made 119 international appearances – and scored a record 53 England goals. "One of my very few regrets is not to have been part of a successful England tournament side," the 31-year-old said. UEFA.com finds plenty more things he can be proud of.What they say"He is, first of all, as a person, fantastic. I had the luck to get to know the person. And as a player, there are not enough words because he is the perfect player – everybody knows what he can do,
How brilliant is new Manchester United man Romelu Lukaku?
Manchester United smashed the British transfer record to sign Belgium striker Romelu Lukaku from Everton on Monday – but what is it about the 24-year-old that has made him such hot property? UEFA.com investigates. What they say"Romelu is a natural fit for Manchester United. He is a big personality and a big player. It is only natural that he wants to develop his career at the biggest club."José Mourinho, Manchester United manager "At the age of 23, I always believed he had the possibility of becoming the best No9 in world football because he has absolutely everything."Robert... UEFA.com - News
Watch Barcelona’s Luis Suarez Effortlessly Score A Brilliant Volley Goal
Share this: Luis Suarez is one of the best soccer players in the world, and on Wednesday he showed why. In the first half of Barcelona’s matchup against Sporting Gijon, Suarez laced a volley into the back of the net to give his team a comfortable 3-1 advantage going into the break. You can check out Suarez’s brilliant strike in the video below. While volleys are no easy task, Suarez made it took effortless, as he seems to do on a game-by-game basis. Barcelona went on to double its first-half goal total in the second frame, and defeated Sporting Gijon by a 6-1 margin. More Stories Source link
Brilliant Bayern too hot to handle for Arsenal
The results have kept on coming, but the differences between Josep Guardiola's Bayern München and Carlo Ancelotti's version have been clear for a while. It has felt like intense domination has given way to a more passive level of control.However, in the UEFA Champions League any gulf between the two coaches' regimes has not been quite so clear. Wednesday's 5-1 round of 16 first-leg demolition of Arsenal was Bayern's 16th straight home win in the competition, spanning the eras of both coaches. Whoever is in charge, it's the same old Bayern in Europe. Off the leash, they're fearsome and few teams can stop them.
How brilliant was Chelsea’s Frank Lampard?
With his 21-year professional career now at an end, UEFA.com gives full credit to a player regarded as one of the great England midfielders of modern times.What they said"To have a midfield player who consistently scores so many goals at the top level is a rare thing."Lionel Messi, Barcelona forward "One of my best players ever, one of my best professionals ever, a Chelsea legend and a legend in the Premier League."José Mourinho, former Chelsea manager"Lamps is a proper Chelsea legend. Lamps won everything with us and in my opinion is the best and most ... UEFA.com - News
How brilliant is Real Madrid’s Sergio Ramos?
Scorer supreme of last-minute headers, Sergio Ramos might be a defender by trade but he is also renowned for dramatic interventions at the other end for Real Madrid. He is one of the game's most garlanded players too, as winner of three Ligas, two UEFA Champions Leagues, UEFA EURO 2008 and 2012, and the 2010 FIFA World Cup among a medley of trophies. UEFA.com salutes Madrid's captain fantastic. What they say"Ramos doesn't surprise me. It's what he has – a big personality – and in games like this he's always there, always encouraging