Andrea Pirlo claims he almost signed for Barcelona in 2010 as Zlatan Ibrahimovic headed for AC Milan – The Mirror

The mercurial midfielder is still one of the world’s best at the age of 34 and has revealed in his autobiography that then-Barca boss Pep Guardiola tried to sign him
Andrea Pirlo has revealed former Barcelona boss Pep Guardiola tried to take him to the Nou Camp.
The 34-year-old is still pulling the strings in the heart of Juventus' midfielder and will again be Italy's star attraction at this summer's World Cup.
He has recently released his autobiography – I Think Before I Play, where he discusses his illustrious career for club and country.
And one revelation regards to Pirlo coming close to joining the Catalan giants in 2010, during his AC Milan days.
Zlatan Ibrahimovic was heading in the opposite direction and the Italian has claimed he was very interested in a switch to the Nou Camp.
In a truly brilliant quote from his new book, Pirlo said: "With their noses pressed up against the windows, lots of players were peering at the scene unfolding outside.
"Both curious and impressed, they watched Ibrahimovic walking his tightrope. At one end, Barcelona, and a fire that was dying out. At the other, Milan, and a spark turning into a flame.
"We were heading in different directions, Ibrahimovic and I. The world knew all about his situation, but nothing about mine. If these initial advances became a full-blown love affair, I'd wind up part of a truly great club and be thrown into a new challenge. I'd have liked that, a lot.
"The discussions went on for a while and, ultimately, Milan didn't give in. I suppose it was always going to go like that. Back then, they still thought I had all my faculties and so they kept me, without ever getting involved in full-on negotiations.
"There were words, brief chats, a little bit of back and forth, but nothing more substantial."
Pirlo stayed with Milan for another year before heading to Serie A rivals Juve, where he has won back-to-back titles.
And with Antonio Conte's men eight points ahead of Roma this season, the veteran looks to be heading for another winner's medal next month.
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