- Title: SOCCER-USA/PIRLO-TRAINING Pirlo trains with New York City FC
- Date: 24th July 2015
- Summary: PURCHASE, NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (JULY 24, 2015) (REUTERS) PLAYERS OF THE NEW YORK CITY FC ON PITCH AT PRACTICE FACILITY MIDFIELDER ANDREA PIRLO AT PRACTICE FORWARD DAVID VILLA AT PRACTICE (SOUNDBITE) (Spanish) DAVID VILLA, FORWARD, NEW YORK CITY FC, SAYING: "Mano, he's one of the best players in history. We're obviously happy to have him here, either on or off the field
- Embargoed: 8th August 2015 13:00
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- Topics: General
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- Story Text: Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo took part in his fourth practice on Friday (July 24) with New York City FC since joining the first-year MLS team.
Pirlo is one of three of New York City's major close-season signings alongside the arrival of World Cup winner David Villa and England's Frank Lampard.
A representative of New York City FC said Pirlo is available to play in Sunday's (July 26) match at Yankee Stadium against MLS rival Orlando City, but his participation will be a day-to-day decision as Pirlo is still not in game shape after being off for a month.
Villa, who leads the team with 10 goals, says that whenever Pirlo makes his debut, he will be a welcome addition to the squad.
"He's one of the best players in history. We're obviously happy to have him here, either on or off the field and he will certainly help us a lot. We hope that he will recover physically as soon as possible so that he can come back on the field as soon as possible to help us," said Villa, who spoke to Reuters at the team's practice facility in Purchase, New York.
Pirlo has been described as being one of the most elegant and distinctive players of his generation.
"For a player like him, it's wonderful to have him backing you up and I think we're going to have a good time," added Villa.
The 36-year-old, who has never played for a club outside Italy, won Serie A titles in each of his four seasons at Juventus after quitting AC Milan in 2011.
Described by former Italy coach Marcello Lippi as a "silent leader," Pirlo can still change the course of a game with one slide-rule pass or a majestic free kick although the odd sign of vulnerability has crept in during the last two seasons.
New York City FC has gotten off to a rocky start in its first year of play. Currently the team is in 9th place in the MLS's Eastern Conference with a record of 5 wins, 9 losses and 6 draws.
Villa said the team is making the right players moves to turn the season around.
"We needed new players, and now we have them. We have a new team, a better team and I'm convinced that, little by little, we'll accomplish some victories and then we'll be able to reach the playoffs," said Villa.
Lampard is still nursing a calf strain which has delayed is debut with the team, but he did take part in limited practice on Friday.
Lampard, 37, signed for the newest MLS franchise from Chelsea in July 2014 but spent last season on loan at Manchester City.
New York City FC also recently signed Colombian defender Jefferson Mena who was transferred from team Independiente Medellin. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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