New York City F.C. has all but finalized negotiations with Andrea Pirlo, a 36-year-old Italian midfielder who is set to join the club at the end of the week as a third designated player, according to a soccer official who was briefed on the negotiations.
Pirlo, who watched the Yankees play the Detroit Tigers at Yankee Stadium on Saturday, will join David Villa and Frank Lampard, who is expected to join the club in a couple of weeks, in giving New York City F.C. a load of both star power and international experience.
Pirlo, who is known for his exceptional direct kicks and incisive deep-playmaking ability, last suited up for Juventus in the Champions League final, a 3-1 loss to Barcelona in Berlin on June 6.