Italian legend set to be out of contract at end of the season.
Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo says he would like to extend his stay with the Turin giants, but will only sign a new deal as long as he isn’t a burden on the club.
The 34-year-old’s current deal is set to expire at the end of this season, with negotiations likely to take place over the course of the campaign in order to establish whether or not he will remain.
Having joined the club on a free transfer back in 2011 from rivals AC Milan, the Italian international is keen to avoid the same scenario that he faced at San Siro.
He has since revealed that the financial aspects of a new contract were never even discussed, with the reason behind his decision to part company with the Rossoneri down to the fact that he didn’t feel as though he had an important role within the club any more.
His move to Turin has brought him two more Serie A titles, while the Old Lady will target the Champions League this season following the arrivals of Carlos Tevez and Fernando Llorente.
“I’ll certainly play on, we’ll just have to see where,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport on Friday. “I’ve already spoken to the club and we’ll meet again at the end of the season.
“Juve are my priority, but I don’t want to be a weight for anybody. The years go by, but it is not written that I have to stay here just because I am called Pirlo.
“I want to feel important and a part of the side’s success, otherwise I’ll leave. But I want to underline that it won’t be a problem about money or choosing between one club and another.
“If I had to change, perhaps I’ll go abroad. I’ll certainly continue playing for a high level team,” he added.
Much will depend on his ability to handle playing both league and European games in quick succession this year, with a noticeable dip in form due to tiredness during last season.
The iconic midfielder is likely to be a vital part of Cesare Prandelli’s Italy side at the World Cup in Brazil next summer, but it remains to be seen whether or not he will continue to pull the strings in the heart of the Juventus midfield after this season.
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