The year 2006 was special for the Italian midfielder Andrea Pirlo, who at that time was playing with Milan. That year he won the World Cup with the Italian national team, but his future at that time was uncertain because of "Calciopoli".
Pirlo, who currently manages Sampdoria in Serie B, gives a behind-the-scenes look at those difficult summer months of 2006.
"It was a special summer. In the World Cup final, Lippi decided that I would be the one to take the first penalty. It was not easy when I was walking towards the ball, as I was tense. I shot without thinking twice and I scored," said Pirlo.
Further, he confesses why he did not go to Madrid: "It was the period of Calciopoli and it was not known how the new Serie A season would start. Immediately after the World Cup ended, I signed with Real Madrid, who had asked me."
"Then it was learned that Milan would start the new season again from Serie A, but with a points penalty. Then I talked with Adriano Galliani and we agreed that I should continue to play with Milan and not go to Real", said Pirlo.
Period in Milan
"With Milan I won everything, but the best victory was the first Champions League. Almost all of us were in our first experience and expected to achieve this goal from the beginning of the season, after a semi-final victory against Inter. Over the years I have had the opportunity to experience wonderful emotions thanks to my teammates who have made every moment beautiful. My adventure with Milan didn't end the way I dreamed it would, I hoped I could stay and still be useful. When I realized that I was no longer seen as an important player, I did not hesitate to change teams. At the time there was a policy whereby those over 30 were only offered a one-year contract. I was still young and unable to find an agreement, I went in another direction."
Juventus period
"This was a revenge for me. I had a great desire to show everyone that I was still a strong player and capable of playing at a high level and with Juve I won 4 championships and we reached a Champions League final. The journey that led us to win our first championship without defeat. I have a very good relationship with Conte, he was the first to start making me analyze situations on the pitch, I thought almost like a coach. He was a great teacher on the field and in football. In the way I manage certain situations and the training sessions of my boys, I take an example from him".