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Pirlo joins Juventus on three-year deal

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-05-25 16:06

MILAN - AC Milan midfielder Andrea Pirlo signed a three-year deal with rivals Juventus on Tuesday having mutually decided to leave the new Serie A champions after 10 years.

Pirlo, 32, struggled with injuries and form for Milan last season and will become a rare example of a player who has turned out for both of Italy's two most successful teams.

Related story: Pirlo to leave Milan after 10 seasons

Juvetus said in a statement he had signed from July 1, 2011 until June 30, 2104.

The Italy midfielder's arrival at Juve could signal a complication in the Turin side's bid to tie up a permanant deal for on-loan Liverpool midfielder Alberto Aquilani, who plays in a very similar position.

Juve could only finish seventh for the second straight year this term after a series of transfer flops as they battle to regain their former glory following a 2006 match-fixing demotion.

They are still without a coach with media saying Siena boss and former Juve midfielder Antonio Conte will take over from the sacked Luigi Del Neri.

Pirlo's struggles this term meant he was no longer a first-team regular under Milan coach Massimiliano Allegri with his lack of mobility and a habit of staying around the centre circle pinging long passes failing to enthuse the boss.