Italy and Juventus midfielder Andrea Pirlo says he still has no regrets about snubbing Real Madrid, who wanted to buy him nine years ago when he was playing for AC Milan.
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The Italian got an offer to join Los Blancos after he won the UEFA Champions League with his former side AC Milan, but he preferred to stay in Italy.
Pirlo admitted that Fabio Capello, the Real Madrid coach at the time, contacted him about a move to the Spanish capital, but then decided to renew his contract with Milan.
"Capello called me in 2006," Pirlo was quoted as saying by AS.
"Milan had problems with the Calciopoli scandal and the deal was nearly done, but then everything was sorted out and my contract was renewed.
"Madrid is Madrid. There's nothing more to say. It's the biggest team in the world.
"But regrets? No. That following season, in fact, we won the Champions League at AC Milan."
Pirlo revealed that he had a close bond with now Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, and described why he holds his fellow Italian in such high regard.
"He's like a father to me, we spent many years together," he added.
"He got me playing my best football in a different position, further back. He changed my role on the pitch.
"I lived indescribable times with him."
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Pirlo made over 400 appearances for AC Milan before making the move across to Juventus, also known as the Old Lady.
Do you think Pirlo would have had such a long, successful career if he did end up going to Real Madrid? Have your say in the comments section below.
